Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.

What is the main cause of acne?

Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found near the surface of your skin. The glands are attached to hair follicles, which are small holes in your skin that an individual hair grows out of.

What are the 3 causes of acne?

There are three major factors that cause acne to develop: over-active sebaceous (or oil) glands, abnormal shedding of dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. None of these factors have to do with skin care or lack thereof, and they all must be present for acne to occur.