What is acne & Causes

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions in the world, with more than 50 million Americans having it each year. Though typically thought of as an issue for teenagers, acne can continue well into adulthood, resulting in both physical discomfort and mental anguish. This full-length guide is a deep dive into the science of acne, the myths around it, and how to get your skin glowing.

Table of Contents

What Causes Acne?

1. Different Forms of Acne: Blackheads to Cysts
2. Hormones and Genetics: What Is Their Role?
3. Debunking Acne Myths
4. Treatment: From OTC To Prescription
5. The Effectiveness of Natural Remedies
6. Acne-Prone Skin Skincare Routines
7. The Link Between Diet and Acne: Shocking but True
8. Preventing Acne Scars
9. When to See a Dermatologist
10. The Emotional Impact of Acne

What Causes Acne?

• When hair follicles are blocked by excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Here is an overview of how it works:

Excess Sebum (Oil) Production: Hormones (e.g., puberty, menstruation) trigger sebaceous glands to secrete more oil.There are two types of clogged pores; Dead skin cells combine with sebum (the oily skin secretion) to form a plug (comedone).Bacterial Growth: C. acnes loves a clogged pore and induces inflammation.Inflammation: The immune system kicks in, and there is redness, swelling and pus.

Key Triggers:

Hormonal imbalances (puberty, pregnancy, PCOS)Stress (raises cortisol levels, which leads to more oil production).Diet (high glycemic index foods, dairy)Skin Care Products (comedogenic ingredients).

Types of Acne

Its divided into two Main and subtypes:

inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

 1. Non-Inflammatory Acne

Blackheads (Open Comedones): Open clogged holes that are exposed to air and therefore oxidized (turned black).Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Clogged pores that are covered by a thin layer of skin.

 2. Inflammatory Acne

Papules: Red bumps that are small and without pus.Pustules: Red bumps that contain white or yellow pus.Nodules: Bigger, painful bumps under the skin.Cysts: Deep lesions filled with pus that may scar.

Genetics and hormones play a role

Androgens (male hormones found in all genders) stimulate sebum production. This is also why you will often find someone suffering an acne flare during puberty, menstruation or conditions such as PCOS.Genetics: You’re 4x as likely to get this if your parents had it.

Acne Myths

Myth: “Acne is a result of poor hygiene.”Fact: Washing too much can aggravate acne by irritating the skin.Myth: “Popping pimples makes them heal faster.”Fact: Causes bacteria to spread and increase scarring.Myth: “Sun exposure clears acne.”Fact: UV rays temporarily mask redness, but damage skin long term.

Treatment

OTC (Over-The-Counter) OptionsBenzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation (e.g., PanOxyl).Salicylic Acid: Sloughs off dead skin cells (e.g. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA)Retinoids: Clear pores and increase cell turnover (e.g., Differin Gel).

Prescription Treatments

Topical Antibiotic—Clindamycin or erythromycin for bacterial overgrowth.

Oral Medications:

Antibiotics (doxycycline) for moderate inflammation.Birth Control Pills Regulate hormones in womenIsotretinoin (Accutane): For severe, persistent disease.

Procedures

Chemical Peels: Glycolic or salicylic acid peels for exfoliation.Laser Therapy: Attacks bacteria and sebum production.Cortisone Injections: Reduces cysts in 24–48 hours.

Do Natural Remedies Work?

Some natural treatments appear promising, but the evidence is mixed:Tea tree oil – Antimicrobial, but dilute before use.Some studies show, it decreases inflammation (Zinc Supplements)Aloe Vera: Calms redness but doesn’t stop breakouts.Be careful: Lemon juice, toothpaste and undiluted essential oils can burn skin.Skincare Regimes for Sensitive Skin

Morning:

Mild cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser).Toner (Thayers Witch Hazel) — no alcohol.Oil-free cream (Neutrogena Hydro Boost).Non-comedogenic sunscreen (EltaMD UV Clear)

Night:

Two-step cleansing (oil-based + water-based).Exfoliate (salicylic acid 2–3x weekly)Retinoid (use a pea-sized amount)

Moisturize.

Avoid — Harsh scrubs, heavy oils and fragranced productsHow Diet Affects Acne: The Easy Way to Prevent Breakouts

Certain foods have been associated with acne in studies:

High Glycemic Index Foods: Blood sugar spikes cause inflammation (e.g., white bread, soda).Dairy: Hormones in milk could cause breakouts.Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Common in processed snacks; pro-inflammatory.Diet: Incorporating whole foods, antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and omega-3s (salmon, walnuts.

Preventing Scars

Don’t Pick! : Let pimples heal naturally.Wear Sunscreen: Ultraviolet — or UV-exposure will darken scars.Treat Early: Prescription retinoids; laser therapy for extreme cases.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a professional if:

• OTC products are non-therapeutic after 8–12 weeks.
• You have painful cysts or lumps under your skin.
• It impairs your self-esteem.
• The Emotional Impact of Disease

It can cause anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. In 2023, 62 per cent of acne sufferers said they felt “ashamed” of their skin. Therapists or support groups can help as well.

FAQs

Q: Does chocolate cause acne?A: Not directly, but chocolate’s sugar and dairy might.Q: Is stress a cause of breakouts?A: Yes — stress increases cortisol levels, prompting greater oil production.Q: How long will it take for my acne to clear?A: With consistent treatment, 6–12 weeks for improvement.

Conclusion

Acne is a multifactorial disease driven by environment, genetics, and hormones. There’s no overnight solution, but a customised skincare regime, professional treatments, and a bit of patience can clear things up. Remember, you are not your acne — and with the right technique, it doesn’t have to run your life.Take Action: Send this guide to someone suffering from this disease, and get a dermatologist to develop your road map.