Acne, or acne vulgaris, is a chronic skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles from excess oil and dead skin cells. It commonly appears on areas rich in oil glands such as the face, upper chest, and back, showing as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and sometimes scarring. Beyond its physical effects, acne can impact mental health, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression in severe cases.
Genetics account for about 80% of susceptibility. While the influence of diet and smoking remains uncertain, acne is not linked to poor hygiene or sunlight exposure. In both men and women, hormones called androgens stimulate excess sebum production, worsening breakouts. Additionally, overgrowth of the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes contributes to inflammation. These combined factors highlight acne as a complex condition requiring more than surface-level care to manage effectively.