What Causes Acne?

Acne is an extremely common skin condition, and it affects approximately 50 million Americans every year. In fact, 3 out of 4 people aged 11-30 years old have experienced acne at least once in their lives.

Acne develops when an abundance of dead skin cells and a naturally-produced oil called sebum plug tiny hair follicles, or pores. As sebum production continues to build under the plug in the skin’s surface, it becomes infected with P. acne bacteria, causing swelling, redness, and inflammation.



Acne presents itself in many ways - whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts are all common forms of acne, and each type can require a different approach for treatment. Although acne is often considered a “teenage issue,” it can occur to any person at any age for a wide array of reasons.