What causes acne? A complete guide
- Therese Jombart
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns. While it’s often associated with teenagers, many adults also struggle with persistent or recurring breakouts. Understanding what causes acne is the first step toward choosing the right treatment and avoiding ineffective or damaging approaches.
How acne develops
Acne begins deep within the pores. Each pore contains a hair follicle and an oil-producing gland (sebaceous gland). When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, the pore becomes clogged.
This creates the perfect environment for bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) to grow, leading to inflammation and visible breakouts.
The main causes of acne
Hormonal activity | Hormones, especially androgens, stimulate oil production. This is why acne often appears:
|
Excess oil production | Oily skin increases the likelihood of clogged pores. However, even dry skin types can experience acne. |
Dead skin cell build-up | When skin doesn’t shed properly, dead cells accumulate and block pores. |
Bacterial growth | Cutibacterium acnes contributes to inflammation, redness, and pus formation. |
Inflammation | Inflammation is what turns a clogged pore into a painful pimple or cyst. |
Additional triggers
Stress
Diet
Certain skincare products
Environmental factors (pollution, humidity)
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene
Over-cleansing can actually worsen acne by damaging the skin barrier and increasing oil production. However, it is important to be consistent with the skin cleansing and to choose the right active ingredients for your skin. For most people with acne-prone skin, a gentle cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is a great option.
When to seek professional help
If your acne:
Persists despite over-the-counter products
Causes pain or deep cysts
Leaves marks or scars
…it’s time to seek expert care.
Book an Acne Root Cause Analysis in Lisbon to identify the root cause of your acne and receive a personalized treatment plan.
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