It is important to know what causes acne, as anywhere from 80 to 100 percent of people will experience an outbreak at some point in life. All acne sufferers eventually seek a cure from what can be a painful, unsightly and embarrassing condition. In order to find a cure, however, you have to know what is physically taking place.

All forms of acne result from disorders of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands occur in greatest frequency on the face, upper neck and chest. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps keep skin and hair moisturized. During the teen years, sebaceous glands get bigger and begin to produce more sebum, coinciding with increased hormone levels. Sebum production begins to slow down once people reach 20 years of age.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes, lives on the skin. This type of bacteria thrives on sebum and increases during the teen years when sebum increases. People who develop acne have more of these bacteria in their pores than other people do. This bacterium draws white blood cells to the pores. White blood cells give off an enzyme that destroys pore walls, causing whatever is in the pore to spill out into the dermis layer of the skin.

As a result of this event, inflammation can occur in the form of papules or red bumps, pustules, cysts, whiteheads, blackheads or nodules The bacteria also creates irritants, which can increase inflammation and lead to infection.

Dead skin cells also combine with the sebum to clog the pores. Once the pores are clogged, blemishes form. Acne typically starts on the face, but can spread to the body. It can vary from mild to severe. It is usually not recommended to pick at or pop pimples as these activities can lead to scarring. It is important to consult with your dermatologist to help discover the best acne treatments to control and cure your acne.