Clear Skin Vocabulary Lesson

Here's a whole lot of big words you'll see over and over if you ever care to do your own research into acne formation.  These describe the real root of the problem. Sebum and bacteria don't clog your pores. Dead skin cells do.

Keratinocytes 

Your skin cells, basically. They make up the majority of the cells in the outermost layer of your epidermis.  Keratin is a protein in your skin, hair and nails.

Hyperproliferation

An over production of cells. You'll also see this term in research into cancer.

Hyperkeratinization 

Over production of skin cells. This is what we suffer from.

Desquamation - 

The natural elimination of cells from the SC

Apoptosis 

Programmed cell death.

Desmosomes 

Patches that hold skin cells together

Retention Hyperkeratosis 

Rapid build up of cells in the follicles and the subsequent inability of the body to slough off those skin cells thereby creating a tough, glue-like substance leading to follicular blockage. Studies have found that individuals suffering from acne lack the necessary enzymes to break down the cellular glue that leads to the blockage. Since the follicle is blocked it provides the perfect “non-oxygenated” environment for P Acnes bacteria

Hypercornification 

Over production of skin cells plus a delay in, or impairment of apoptosis (- programmed cell death) in keratinocytes that prevents the desmosomes (patches that hold cells together) from disintegrating at a normal pace allowing them to become extra rough and 'sticky' and more likely to clog pores. This tendency is genetically influenced.

Keratin Buildup is linked to skin conditions such as acne, keratosis pilaris, allergies, eczema, dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris,  and sebhorreic keratosis, as well as other conditions such as rhinitis and asthma.

Hyperkeratinization is stimulated by the hormone IGF-1 or Insulin-like Growth Factor 1.

IGF-1 production is stimulated by insulin and is in Dairy. Excess IGF1 can be bound up by IGFBP-3 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3)  another hormone that also accelerates cell apoptosis .  You can increase your levels by controlling insulin levels. Pretend you are a diabetic and eat, sleep and exercise accordingly.

Chronic Inflammation also stimulates hyperkeratinization via  interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha),  a pro-inflammatory cytokene expressed by your keratinocytes.