WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
During puberty, elevated hormone levels stimulate
sebaceous glands to produce more oil, also called
sebum, which is normally released through the hair
shaft to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebum
combines with dead cells, forming a plug in the skin
pore called a comedone. These comedones or
plugged follicles may eventually rupture and sebum
may seep into the surrounding skin causing
inflammation. There are harmless bacteria present in
the sebaceous glands. These bacteria can break down
the fatty parts of the sebum into fatty acid substances
which leak into the surrounding skin and may also
cause inflammation. The result can be a small or large
solid bump or a pustule on the surface of the skin or
cysts underneath the surface of the skin.