What are the factors contributing to acne development?

Acne is caused by three factors. The first is the overproduction of sebum, the natural oil of the skin, by the sebaceous glands. The second is an irregular shedding of dead skin cells which settle at the hair follicles and cause irritation. The third is a buildup of bacteria in the hair follicles. When all these things occur together, acne is the result.

Each hair follicle is connected to its own sebaceous gland, at its base below the skin. These glands produce sebum which maintains the hair and skin. But when too much sebum is produced, it builds up at the base of the follicle. If the body produces excess dead cells, the sebum mixes with them to form a plug, leading to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. When this plug is infected by bacteria, they can cause pimples, a raised and often inflamed bump on the skin with a whitish center. If the blockages occur deep inside the hair follicles under the skin, the lumps which form bulge out through the skin and are called cysts.

Greasy foods and chocolate do not contribute to acne. The cause of the overproduction of sebum is not clear, but may involve hereditary or hormonal factors.