Jump to topic
Reviewed By
Dr.
2 min read time
What Is Acne?
It most commonly develops on the face, but you can also have acne on your back and chest.
The spots that appear on the skin can look very different depending on what type they are, such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Attempting to pick at the spots carries the risk of permanent scarring.
Many people find that having acne is uncomfortable and that it negatively impacts their confidence; it can be very difficult to manage without professional guidance.
Fortunately, treatment for acne is easy to find and lots of people have been able to achieve clearer and smoother skin with reduced breakouts.
If you would like to see similar results for your acne, book a consultation today – we can help.
What Causes Acne?
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not related to diet or hygiene, but instead mainly influenced by hormones.
Our hair follicles are connected to glands which produce sebum (oil).
As part of our body’s natural cleaning process, the sebum is responsible for protecting our skin from harmful bacteria.
However, when the glands produce too much oil, the hair follicles (what you see as pores) become clogged, trapping the sebum and bacteria.
It is this trapped material trying to leave the skin that we observe as spots.
The trapped bacteria make infections likely, so the spots may sometimes contain pus.
Hormonal changes can cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive, and the lining of the hair follicles to become thicker and more easily clogged.
This is why acne is most common in young people who are going through puberty, though it is possible to get acne at any age.
People with certain medical conditions that affect their hormones or a genetic disposition for acne may also be more prone to developing this skin condition.
