How does acne develop within the skin?

Acne develops primarily when hair follicles become clogged with a combination of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is a natural oil that helps keep the skin moisturized. However, when excess sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and lead to the blockage of hair follicles. This blockage creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, particularly the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which can contribute to inflammation and the formation of acne lesions, such as pimples, cysts, and nodules.

While bacterial infection and hormonal changes certainly play a role in the development and aggravation of acne, they are not the initiating factors. Excessive washing can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin's barrier function, potentially worsening acne rather than causing it. Thus, the process of clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells is central to understanding how acne forms.