Acne can be aggravated by many things, but three main factors are required for acne to develop in the first place: excess oil, dead skin buildup, and an overgrowth of bacteria. The combination of these three factors leads to congestion in the pores (follicles) and can escalate to different grades and categories of acne. All three factors contribute to acne, but there is one that plays a major role in this condition—oil.
Oil, also known as sebum, is the major trigger for acne. It is the biggest contributor to acne because it binds dead skin cells and bacteria together in the pore, leading to buildup and blockages. To better understand how oil plays a role, you need to understand the sebaceous gland.
The sebaceous gland is a microscopic organ that creates and secretes oil (sebum) to help lubricate and waterproof the body, specifically the skin. This gland is part of the integumentary system and makes up the pilosebaceous unit, which is the hair follicle, hair shaft, erector pili muscle and sebaceous gland. This unit works to support the structures of your skin, hair, and nails.
When the sebaceous gland is producing an appropriate amount of oil, the skin is healthy and protected. However, when there is too much stimulation or excess oil being created, it acts like glue and starts to collect dead skin cells. Eventually, this creates a blockage in the pore, trapping bacteria, which will multiply and thrive in the confined pores. This overgrowth of bacteria will further trigger the body's immune response, which leads to inflammation and it all started because of excess oil.
Luckily, some ingredients can help reduce this overproduction of oil. Salicylic Acid is an amazing ingredient that works like a mop to absorb excess oil. It also provides antibacterial properties and helps clean the pore itself, which is unique when compared to alpha hydroxy acids.
Now, upon learning this, many individuals begin addressing the excess sebum and neglect following up with a moisturizer. They feel that since they are oily, they do not need the extra moisture. This is far from the truth! Over stripping and drying out the skin causes the sebaceous glands to create more oil, thus creating a vicious cycle that continues, leaving anyone with acne feeling discouraged.
It is important to remember that balance is key when caring for acne. We need to address the excess oil, but we also need to support and rebalance the skin with the appropriate amount of hydration.
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GlyMed Plus Acne Line contains acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. They also contain Aloe Vera, Arnica Montana, and soothing humectants to help preserve the health of the skin while caring for acne. We believe in maintaining the integrity of the skin, which is why our Acne Line is used by many professionals
—because it works!