Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, though it is most prevalent during adolescence and early adulthood. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to breakouts of whiteheads, blackheads or inflamed pimples. While acne is not a serious medical condition, it can cause discomfort, impact self-confidence, and, in some cases, lead to scarring if left untreated.
Acne is a chronic skin condition that occurs when excess sebum and dead skin cells clog the pores. This creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation, redness, and breakouts. Acne typically appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, which are areas with a higher concentration of oil glands.
Although acne is commonly associated with teenagers, it can persist into adulthood or even develop later in life due to hormonal changes, stress or other factors.
| CHARACTERISTICS | NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE | INFLAMMATORY ACNE |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The blemishes associated with non-inflammatory acne are closer to your skin’s surface, and usually are not swollen or painful. | The pimples associated with inflammatory acne are deep in your skin and contain pus. They are inflamed, so they tend to be sore or painful. |
| Cause | Clogged pores due to excess sebum and dead skin cells. | Bacterial infection within clogged pores. |
| Appearance |
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| Inflammation | Absent. | Present, causing redness, swelling or tenderness. |
| Severity | Generally mild. | It can range from mild to severe. |
| Scarring | Less likely, but possible with picking or squeezing blemishes. | More likely, especially with severe nodules and cysts. |
Although the terms “acne” and “pimples” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Acne refers to the overall condition that leads to breakouts, while pimples are individual, inflamed blemishes that develop due to acne.
Someone with acne may experience multiple types of breakouts, including blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and nodules.
The primary cause of acne is a combination of factors that contribute to clogged pores, bacterial growth, and inflammation. Additionally, some of the key causes include:
Sebum is the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands to keep the skin hydrated. However, when these glands become overactive, they produce excessive oil, leading to clogged pores. This is particularly common during hormonal changes, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or stress, which can stimulate the sebaceous gland.
The skin constantly sheds dead cells. When these cells mix with excess sebum, they can accumulate inside the pores instead of shedding properly. This leads to blockages, forming whiteheads and blackheads, and eventually developing into inflamed pimples if bacteria are present.
The skin naturally hosts bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes, formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes). When pores become clogged, these bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to inflammation. The immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight the bacteria, resulting in red, swollen, and sometimes painful pimples.
A family history of acne increases the likelihood of developing the condition. If your parents or siblings experienced severe acne, you may have inherited overactive sebaceous glands or a tendency for inflammation, making you more prone to breakouts.
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens, can stimulate excess sebum production. This explains why acne is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As such, increased testosterone levels, even in females, can also lead to more severe breakouts.
Although diet alone does not directly cause acne, certain foods may aggravate it. High-glycaemic foods, such as sugary snacks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates, can spike blood sugar levels, triggering insulin production. This, in turn, stimulates oil glands and inflammation. Dairy products, particularly skim milk, have also been linked to increased acne severity due to their impact on hormones.
Stress does not directly cause acne, but it can worsen existing breakouts by increasing cortisol levels. High cortisol production triggers oil glands, leading to more clogged pores and inflammation. Additionally, poor sleep, smoking, and exposure to pollutants can further irritate the skin and disrupt its healing process.
Using comedogenic products, such as thick creams, certain foundations, and hair oils, can contribute to acne formation. Failing to remove makeup properly, over-exfoliating or using harsh cleansers can also damage the skin’s protective barrier, making it more prone to breakouts.
Although acne can affect anyone, certain groups are more prone to developing it, including:
Several factors can exacerbate acne, such as:
Our doctors start by examining your skin to assess the types of acne lesions present, their distribution, and the severity of breakouts. During this examination, they will check for:
Beyond physical examination and a skin analysis, our doctor may proceed with the following steps:
Once our doctors have all the relevant information, it will aid them in classifying the severity of acne as per the following grades, which will guide the treatment decisions:
| GRADE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Mild Acne (Grade I) |
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| Moderate Acne (Grades II and III) |
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| Severe Acne ( Grade IV) |
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At Cove Aesthetic Clinic, we recognise that not all acne is the same. Breakouts can vary in type, severity and underlying causes. That is why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. The first step to achieving clear, acne-free skin is a proper consultation to assess your current skin condition and identify the root cause of your breakouts. This allows us to recommend ideal, evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique skin needs.
If you are struggling with acne, book a consultation with us today for a detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
