Skin Care Education

Acne

A common skin condition caused by blocked pores, excess oil, and bacteria. Affects people of all ages, skin types, and skin tones.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores become blocked with a combination of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The result is a range of blemishes including blackheads, whiteheads, red and inflamed spots, and in more severe cases, deeper cysts or nodules beneath the skin surface.

It is one of the most prevalent skin conditions worldwide, affecting an estimated 85 percent of people at some point in their lives. While it is most commonly associated with adolescence, acne affects adults of all ages. Adult-onset acne, where breakouts begin or persist into the 20s, 30s, and beyond, is increasingly common, particularly in women.

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, nor is it simply a cosmetic concern. It is a medical skin condition with identifiable causes. For many people, particularly those with moderate to severe or persistent acne, it has a significant impact on mental health and quality of life.

Types of Acne

Acne presents in several distinct forms, ranging in severity:

Blackheads (open comedones): pores blocked with oil and dead skin that are open at the surface. The dark colour comes from oxidation, not dirt.
Whiteheads (closed comedones): pores blocked close to the surface, creating a small white or flesh-coloured bump.
Papules: small, raised red or pink bumps caused by inflamed or infected pores.
Pustules: similar to papules but with a visible white or yellow centre of pus.
Nodules: large, solid, painful lumps deep beneath the skin surface. More likely to cause scarring.
Cysts: the most severe form, involving large, pus-filled lumps that can cause significant pain and scarring.
Hormonal acne: typically concentrated along the lower face, jaw, and chin, often flaring in a predictable cycle linked to hormonal activity.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Factor	Description
Excess oil production	The skin produces more oil than needed, creating conditions where pores are more likely to become blocked. Oil production is regulated by hormones and is one of the primary triggers of acne.
Hormonal changes	Androgens increase during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and periods of stress, directly stimulating the oil glands. Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most consistent drivers of acne across all age groups.
Bacteria	A naturally occurring skin bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes proliferates inside blocked pores and triggers the inflammatory response responsible for red, painful spots.
Dead skin cell build-up	When dead skin cells are not shed efficiently they accumulate inside pores, contributing to blockages that create the conditions for acne to develop.
Diet	High-glycemic foods and dairy products have been linked to increased acne activity in some individuals. The relationship varies between people and is one of several contributing factors rather than a direct cause.
Medications	Some medications including certain contraceptives, steroids, and other prescription drugs are known to trigger or worsen acne as a side effect.
Genetics	The tendency to develop acne, particularly more severe forms, is strongly influenced by family history. Those with a close family history of significant acne are considerably more likely to experience it themselves.
Skincare products	Products that block pores or disrupt the skin barrier can contribute to breakouts, particularly in those already prone to congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions: Acne

No. While acne is most common during adolescence, it affects people across all age groups. Adult acne is particularly common in women, often linked to hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause. Some people experience acne for the first time as adults without ever having it as teenagers.

Research suggests a link between certain dietary patterns and acne, though it is not a universal cause. High-glycemic diets have been associated with increased breakout activity, and some studies link dairy consumption to acne. However, the relationship varies significantly between individuals, and diet is just one of several contributing factors.

The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, acne is the medical condition that encompasses a range of blemish types, while spots, pimples, and blemishes refer to individual lesions. Acne typically refers to a persistent pattern of multiple blemishes across the face, chest, back, or other areas rather than the occasional isolated spot.

Yes. Particularly severe or inflamed acne, including nodular and cystic acne, carries a significant risk of leaving scars. Picking or squeezing spots substantially increases that risk by driving bacteria deeper and creating additional tissue damage. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the flat dark marks left after a spot heals, is distinct from true structural scarring and tends to fade over time.