Acne
Acne can strike at any age. Although it’s more common among teenagers and sometimes in women going through menopause. Acne affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States each year....Acne surfaces during times of hormonal imbalance. When glands produce more oil than normal, skin pores get clogged, allowing bacteria (and pimples) to grow. Read More
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The Science Behind Hormonal Acne and Skin Cells That Clog Pores
When people search for the best natural acne treatment, they often miss how systematically acne vulgaris develops. Hormonal fluctuations, especially androgen surges, enlarge sebaceous glands and increase sebum. Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells that clog pores, creating conditions where bacteria thrive.
Cutibacterium acnes releases lipase enzymes that break down sebum triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. These irritate follicle walls, causing the redness and swelling seen in acne lesions. The depth of the blockage determines the type of acne: blackheads and whiteheads are surface comedones, papules and pustules form when bacteria inflame follicles, and nodules develop deeper in the skin as larger inflammatory lesions.
Factors That Contribute to Acne Breakouts
Acne is common in oily skin, but dryness can also highlight sebum by making it appear more concentrated. Sebum output itself does not increase with dryness; hormones and genetics regulate production. Small changes in skin care products can irritate the skin, disrupt exfoliation, and worsen acne.
Research shows androgens drive sebum secretion, fueling hormonal acne in teens and adults. This explains why acne persists beyond adolescence. Skin type, genetics, and immune response determine whether acne stays mild to moderate or progresses into severe acne that leads to scars.
Acne results from more than clogged pores. It reflects a complex interplay of oil, bacteria, and immune signaling.
