The term acne cosmetica refers to

acne Acne, also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, black ...

caused by or aggravated by

cosmetics Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protect ...

. The mechanism is thought to be

chemical A chemical substance is a form of matter having constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. Some references add that chemical substance cannot be separated into its constituent elements by physical separation methods, i.e., wi ...

ly induced plugging of the

pilosebaceous A sebaceous gland is a microscopic exocrine gland in the skin that opens into a hair follicle to secrete an oily or waxy matter, called sebum, which lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. In humans, sebaceous glands occur in the greatest number ...

orifice. This became a significant problem for

dermatologist Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin.''Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.'' Random House, Inc. 2001. Page 537. . It is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist is a specialist medical ...

s in the 1970s and 1980s, but with the improved formulations produced by cosmetic

chemists A chemist (from Greek ''chēm(ía)'' alchemy; replacing ''chymist'' from Medieval Latin ''alchemist'') is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties. Chemists carefully describe th ...

, a diagnosis of acne cosmetica has become relatively rare in dermatological practice. The terms "non-

comedogenic The term acne cosmetica refers to acne caused by or aggravated by cosmetics. The mechanism is thought to be chemically induced plugging of the pilosebaceous orifice. This became a significant problem for dermatologists in the 1970s and 1980s, bu ...

" and "non-acne(i)genic" appeared on

moisturizer A moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin. The word "emollient" is derived from the Latin verb ''mo ...

s and other cosmetic compounds as manufacturers introduced re-formulations—sometimes associated with claims that the products were "oil-free" or "water-based". Although early work produced lists of comedogenic chemicals in various strengths and vehicles, it became apparent that one could not predict the actual comedogenicity of a product from its contents; rather, the finished product itself needed use-testing. The production of a low-grade

folliculitis Folliculitis is the infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on hair-covered skin. The rash may appear as pimples that come to white tips on the face, chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, or head. A ...

by some components of cosmetic products has led to misdiagnosis on occasion. People may not attribute skin reactions to their cosmetics at first, but may notice worsening symptoms after using certain face

makeup The asterisk ( ), from Late Latin , from Ancient Greek , ''asteriskos'', "little star", is a typographical symbol. It is so called because it resembles a conventional image of a heraldic star. Computer scientists and mathematicians often voc ...

sunblock Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or sun cream, is a Photoprotection, photoprotective topical product for the skin that mainly absorbs, or to a much lesser extent reflects, some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect ag ...

or lip products. Reactions are more likely to occur if applied cosmetics are left on and not stripped after wearing them."Acne Cosmetica"

References

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Acneiform eruptions {{Cutaneous-condition-stub

See also

References

External links