Acne Glossary

An acne whitehead occurs when a oil and skin cells close off the pore. The oily sebum within the pore remains untouched by oxygen and therefore remains white in color but usually shows up as a small lu...

Sebum is an oil substance that gets secreted into the follicle sebaceous gland. When this oil sticks to the inside of the pore, it gathers hair and skin particles, which is then fed on by acne bacteria...

Sebaceous Glands are oil glands located in the pilosebaceous follicle unit (skin pores). These glands are responsible for keeping the skin moist. When there is an acne condition present, these glands a...

A retinoid is a medicinal ingredient that comes from Vitamin A which is used in several effective acne treatments. Retinoids are effective at treating a variety of skin conditions. Patients taking reti...

A pustule is the site of an acne inflammation where it has developed into a pus-filled acne lesion. These are some of the most common forms of acne experienced by most people. Pustules are also commonl...

Propionibacterium acnes is a common bacteria on human skin. Normal levels of bacteria on the skin will not normally cause acne inflammation. Propionibacterium acnes causes acne inflammation when there ...

Papulopustular Acne classifies a type of acne where there is presence of papules and pustules (blemishes and pus-filled pimples). Most people will experience some degree of Papulopustular Acne in their...

A papule is the site of an infected follicle where it has not yet had time to gather pus. Over time papules can become pustules, meaning they are filled with pus. A papule is also commonly know as a pi...

The term ‘Open Comedo’ Refers to a comedo that has developped in an open pore. On the surface of the skin, this appears as a blackhead, since the oily contents of the comedo have oxidized c...

Non-comedogenic (noncomedogenic) is a term that refers to a substance that is ‘acne-friendly’ - meaning it will not facilitate the production of comedones, causing acne to the skin. Patient...