Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting specially teenagers. It is commonly known as pimple. It can cause the formation of whiteheads, blackheads or inflames red lesions. It affects almost all people at some point of time in life and might become a cause of great distress and hamper ones self esteem and confidence.  

Acne occurs mostly in older children, teenagers and young adults. However there is no specific age bar. Around 80% of 11 to 30 yrs old people are affected by acne. In girls it mostly occurs between the ages 14 to 17 while in boys between 16 to 19 yrs. Roughly around 5% of women and 1% of men over 25 yrs continue to experience the symptoms. 

To understand acne better let us put a quick glance on the anatomy of skin: The skin consists of three layers and its complete thickness varies from 0.5mm to 2mm. 

Layers of skin -

• (1) Epidermis: It is the topmost layer and consists of many sub layers in itself. The top layers are the living layers and produces cells that make the epidermis. As these cells age, they settle below to form the dead layer. This layer acts as the first line of defence against foreign body, sun and toxins.

• (2) Dermis: It is the middle layer and often called as ‘true skin’. It consists of muscle cells, nerve fibres and blood vessels. It also contains sweat glands, sebaceous glands and fine blood vessels. Sebum, an oily substance, produced by the sebaceous glands lubricates and protects the skin.

• (3) Subcutaneous Layer: It is the deepest layer of skin and specializes in fat production. It also manufactures vitamin D.