What is the primary cause of acne?

The primary cause of acne is blocked sebaceous glands and inflammation of the skin. Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. The sebaceous glands, which are located in the dermis of the skin, produce sebum to keep the skin moisturized. When there’s an overproduction of sebum, especially combined with the shedding of skin cells, these substances can obstruct the hair follicles. This blockage creates an ideal environment for bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, to thrive, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples, cysts, or nodules.

The inflammatory response can further exacerbate the problem, leading to redness and swelling in the affected areas. This understanding highlights why addressing sebaceous gland function and maintaining skin cleanliness is critical in acne management.