Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages.

Pimples are the most visible symptom of acne, but the condition can also cause other types of blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts. Understanding the causes of acne can help prevent its occurrence and reduce the severity.

The primary cause of acne is the clogging of pores, which can occur due to excess sebum (oil) production and the accumulation of dead skin cells. When sebum and dead skin cells accumulate in a pore, it can cause a whitehead or blackhead. If the pore becomes infected with bacteria, it can become inflamed and lead to a pimple.

One type of bacteria that commonly causes acne is Propionibacterium acnes, which naturally lives on our skin but can become problematic when it feeds on sebum and releases byproducts that cause inflammation. P. acnes can also multiply, leading to further inflammation and the development of pimples.

There are other triggers which can result in a breakout. Hormone surges, particularly an increase in androgens, can stimulate sebum production and lead to clogged pores. This is why acne is most common during puberty, but it can also occur during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and conditions that increase androgen levels, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.