Acne Glossary

Acne: Acne is a skin disorder, which is caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles found primarily in adolescents and marked by pimples, especially on the face.

Seborrhea: Excessive oiliness in body.

Blackheads: Skin's pores blocked by oils and impurities within the body.

Whiteheads: Small white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage; the blockage in the pore is deeper than in a blackhead.

Glands: A cell or group of cells that produce and release substances used nearby or in another part of the body

Gestational acne: It is the type of acne specific to pregnancy.

Salicylic Acid: A keratolytic drug (a drug that removes the outer layer of skin) that is used to treat various skin conditions.

Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial medication used to combat the bacteria that aggravate acne.

Adapalene: Adapalene is a chemical compound that is primarily used as a topical treatment for acne. It is a retinoid, meaning it is chemically similar to Vitamin A, and is currently sold by Galderma under the trade name Differin in many different forms. In pure form, adapalene is a white to off white powder that is insoluble in water.

Dermabrasion: Removal of the top layer of the skin with a power-driven sander or dermatome (which works like a plane) to remove pitting cause by acne and wrinkles and spots caused by aging and sun. Less likely to cause extreme changes in skin color than a chemical peel.

Scar: A mark left on the skin after healing of the injured or lost tissue.

Collagen: A protein chemical substance that is the main support of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue.

Atrophic: The progressive loss of muscle mass, or wasting, caused by reduction in the size or number of muscle cells.

Autologus Fat Transfer: An acne scar treatment method in which fat is taken from a different part of the body and injected into the scar.

Subcision: A technique in which fibrous bands that anchor a depressed scar or casue the dimpling of cellulite are severed

Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent used in skin preparations.

Excision: Removal by surgery .

Punch grafts: Small skin grafts to replace scarred skin. A hole is punched in the skin to remove the scar, which is then replaced with unscarred skin (often from the back of the earlobe). Punch grafts can help treat deep acne scars.