What Causes Acne
Acne starts to develop when dead skin cells clamp together and causes our pores to become clogged. This clog traps bacteria and oil within the hair follicles in our skin. The trapped bacteria in the follicles produces chemicals that alter the composition of the oil and makes it irritating on the skin.
Our body also attacks the trapped bacteria with white blood cells. This cause pimples to become red, swollen, and painful. This response is called inflammation.
The reason behind the clogging of the follicles is related to the sebaceous glands in our skin. The sebaceous glands produces the oil in our skin, which is called sebum. When there is excess sebum, the chances of clogging increases.
For teenagers during puberty, their bodies produce more hormones which stimulate the sebaceous gland. This leads to more sebum being produced. The stimulation of the sebaceous gland also causes skin cells to shed away faster.
The excess sebum and dead skin cells increases the chances of the follicles being plugged up, which then leads to acne. This is why teens are often more prone to developing acne than adults.
However some adults may also have overactive sebaceous glands. In a small number of instances, acne that starts off in the teenage years can last beyond age 25. Also, for a very tiny portion of females, acne may not occur for them until sometime after their 20's.
