Acne 101: How Does Acne Form?

Get the step-by-step breakdown of how acne forms so you can stop your next pimple dead in its tracks.

How Does Acne Form?

• Excessive Oil Production

  The sebaceous glands produce too much oil and clog your pores as a result.

• Increased/ Decreased Skin Cell Turnover

  The outer-most layer of skin cells (stratum corneum) either sheds too many dead skin cells or too little. If too few skin cells are shed, they congest pores by resting on the top layer of skin. If too many skin cells are shed, they can congest pores and lead to more breakouts.

• Increased Bacteria

  When pores are clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, bacteria thrives and multiplies. The increase in the acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) causes more breakouts.

• Increased Inflammation

  When there’s swelling of the pores in the surrounding tissue, it leads to redness, pain or skin tenderness which causes acne to be noticeable.

  To treat existing acne and to also help prevent new acne from forming, cleanse skin with a salicylic acid facial wash. The acne-fighting ingredient unclogs pores by lifting off the top layer of dead skin cells and cleansing deep inside the pore. It also reduces redness from existing pimples.

  If your acne does not clear up after two to three months of diligent care or if you suffer from what is described as severe acne, visit a dermatologist.