Acne is most commonly caused by:

• Changes in hormone levels
• Overactivity of sebaceous glands
• Build up of bacteria

It is often the combination of these factors that trigger the onset of acne.

Most people first encounter acne when they reach adolescence due to an imbalance of DHT, a hormone that triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. An increase of DHT also occurs during pregnancy and monthly cycles, which explains the occasional flare-up in women.

In addition to hormones, acne is also caused by dead skin cells that clog the pores due to insufficient exfoliation and trap bacteria underneath the skin. The skin can also become clogged when touched or if constant pressure is added to the skin.

When the sebaceous glands produce oil under clogged skin pores, acne-causing bacteria proliferate. The build up of bacteria eventually causes the sebaceous glands to become inflamed and rupture onto the skin in the form of acne.

Also see our Acid Skin Peels under Treatments on this website