Why Acne Happens
Acne happens when your pores become clogged and inflamed.
Think of a pore as a tiny opening in your skin:
1. 🛢️ Too much oil
Your skin naturally produces oil called sebum. Hormones, especially androgens, can make your oil glands produce more of it.
2. 🚪 Dead skin cells clog the pore
Dead skin cells can mix with oil and build up inside the pore. This creates a blockage.
3. 🦠 C. acnes gets involved
A normal skin bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes can thrive in clogged, oily follicles and contribute to inflammation.
4. 🔥 The pore becomes inflamed
Your immune system responds, causing the familiar red, swollen, sometimes painful pimple.
Why acne can be worse at certain times
Acne may increase because of:
- Puberty and hormonal changes
- Menstrual-cycle hormone fluctuations
- Genetics
- Stress, which can worsen existing acne
- Some medications or cosmetics
- Certain dietary patterns in susceptible people
In one simple formula:
Hormones → more oil → clogged pore → inflammation → acne
And remember: acne isn’t caused by poor hygiene. Washing or scrubbing excessively won’t prevent it and may irritate your skin.
