Types of Acne

• Acne comes in many different forms, including inflammation, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, infected pustules, cysts and nodules.
  
  

Overproduction of Sebum

• The sebaceous gland produces and secretes the natural oily substance known as sebum. When the sebaceous glands are overactive, sebum is overproduced and can clog hair follicles and pores causing breakouts.
  
  

Bacteria

• When hair follicles or pores become clogged with bacteria, your body works to attack the bacteria causing inflammation in the form of a breakout.
  
  

Dead Skin Cells

• If skin cells do not shed properly or if the face is not properly exfoliated, dead skin cells can build up, which clogs pores and hair follicles leading to the formation of breakouts.
  
  

Hormones

• Breakouts are hormonally driven. A change in hormones--puberty, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances--can cause individuals to experience breakouts. Acne is most prevalent in teenagers, but many men and women do experience adult acne.
  
  

Heredity

• For some, breakouts are in the genes. Chronic acne can be a trait that is passed down.