Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with a combination of excess sebum (an oily substance produced by your skin), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This clogging leads to the formation of various acne lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
The Key Factors in Acne Development
Several factors contribute to the development of acne:
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Excess Sebum Production: The sebaceous glands, located in the middle layer of your skin, produce sebum to lubricate hair and skin. During puberty, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in androgens, stimulate these glands to produce excessive sebum. This excess oil contributes significantly to clogged pores. [Source: NHS, Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)]
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Dead Skin Cells: As skin cells shed naturally, they can sometimes accumulate and block the hair follicles. This buildup, combined with excess sebum, creates a perfect environment for acne to form. [Source: Mayo Clinic, NIAMS]
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Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) is a bacteria naturally present on the skin. When hair follicles are clogged, this bacteria can thrive and trigger inflammation, leading to the redness and swelling characteristic of acne. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
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Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation, can significantly impact sebum production, increasing the likelihood of acne breakouts. [Source: AAD, Nemours KidsHealth]
Types of Acne Lesions
The clogging of hair follicles leads to different types of acne lesions:
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Whiteheads (closed comedones): Sebum and dead skin cells block the follicle completely, forming a small, white bump.
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Blackheads (open comedones): The follicle is open at the surface, allowing exposure to air which causes the sebum to oxidize, turning it black.
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Pimples (papules, pustules): Inflammation occurs when bacteria multiply in the clogged follicle, leading to red, swollen, and sometimes pus-filled bumps.
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Cysts and Nodules: These are larger, deeper, and more painful inflammatory lesions.
Where Acne Occurs
Acne most frequently appears in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, such as the face, back, chest, and shoulders. [Source: Boston Children's Hospital]
