Glow on the Spot

“Breathe. Heal. Glow. Your clear-skin journey starts here.”

What Is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become blocked by excess oil (sebum), hormonal changes and bacteria. This blockage can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Acne can appear on the face, chest, back and shoulders, and may range from mild to severe. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, genetics, diet, and improper skincare can all contribute to its development.

Understanding the cause of your acne is essential to choosing the right treatment and preventing long-term damage such as scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Causes of Acne

Excess Oil (Sebum) Production

The skin’s sebaceous glands produce oil (called sebum) to keep the skin hydrated. However, when too much sebum is produced — often due to hormonal changes, stress, or genetics — it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. These blocked pores become the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to breakouts.

Bacteria and Inflammation

When the pores are clogged, Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) — a bacteria naturally found on the skin — can multiply within them. This triggers an inflammatory response, causing redness, swelling, and pus-filled pimples or cysts.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal imbalances, particularly an increase in androgens (male hormones present in both men and women), can stimulate oil glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. This is why acne often worsens during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or times of stress.