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Macule - Flat, reddish spots that develop at the final stage of an acne lesion.
Melasma (cholasma) - Brown blotches that commonly appear in pregnant women or those who take oral contraceptives.
Microcomedo - A very tiny comedo that can only be seen only with a microscope. It is the first formation of a comedo.
Milia - Tiny cysts that are found mostly around the eyes. They go deep into the skin and are hard to the touch.
Nodule - Inflamed, pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. They are the most severe form of an acne lesion.
Noncomedogenic - Any substance that is unlikely to clog your pores.
Open comedo - Same as Blackhead. See the A-L Acne Glossary
P. Acnes - See Propionibacterium acnes further below.
Papule - This is the mildest form of inflammatory acne. It manifests on the skin as a small yet firm pink bump.
Papulopustular - A type of acne characterized by the presence of papules and pustules.
Peri-Oral Dermatitis - A condition that is characterized by patches of itchy red spots around the mouth area. It typically affects women in their 20s an 30s. It can also appear around the nose area.
Pore - Same as Follicle. See the A-L Acne Glossary.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - This occurs when the site of a healing acne lesion darkens.
Propionibacterium acnes - Also known as P. acnes. This bacterium is a normal resident on the skin. Once a pore becomes plugged, they spread rapidly; inflamming the skin and producing acne.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae - Men who shave probably know this as "shaving bumps." This occurs as hairs begin to grow back after shaving, waxing or plucking. As they grow back, they get trapped inside the follicle and cause irritation and inflammation.
Pustule - Small, round acne lesions that are clearly inflamed and contain visible pus.
Retinoids - Related to Vitamin A. They regulate the growth of epithelial cells and are powerful antioxidants. They are used in acne medications as they help dissolve comedones and encourage normal skin cell renewal.
Rosacea - Adult acne. Normally found in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. It is an acne-like condition that appears primarily the face, neck and chest.
Salicylic acid - A mild acid that encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells.
Sebaceous follicle - See Pore above.
Sebaceous glands - Oil-producing glands at the base of every pore (the sebaceous hair follicle).
Sebum - The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. It helps keep your skin soft and pliable.
Sloughing - Part of the skin’s natural renewal process. It is the act of shedding dead skin cells to make room for new skin cells.
Subcutaneous fat - This refers to the fat that is located at the bottom layer of your skin. It acts as an insulator, keeps you warm and helps protect the underlying tissue.
White blood cells - The blood cells in your body that fight disease, bacteria, etc. They are your body's "security team".
Whitehead - Same as closed comedo. See the a-l acne glossary.
Witch Hazel - A gentle astringent and anti-inflammatory with healing properties.
•• DermaDoctor