What Causes Acne?

There are many misconceptions about the sources of acne. Some believe that eating greasy food can cause acne breakouts, while others cite chocolate as the culprit. The cause of acne has been attributed to many erroneous sources but it really boils down to one issue: clogged pores.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Oil and Skin Cells: Pores can become clogged when excess oil or sebum, which the skin produces, accumulates inside the pore. However, this alone will not cause pimples or other types of acne. We shed skin cells daily, but sometimes these skin cells can become trapped in pores.
• Bacterial Causes: In addition, the bacteria propionibacterium acnes is present on everyone’s skin. Acne is caused when the propionibacterium acnes bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum become trapped in our pores.
• Different Types of Acne: Acne includes pustules, papules, nodules, cysts, whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammation is caused, and can lead to blemishes, when the dead skin cells, oil and bacteria plug a pore.
• Preventing Acne: Keeping the skin properly cleaned will allow the skin’s oil to be in balance, diminish the buildup of dead skin cells, and reduce the presence of bacteria.

Learn more about what causes acne and how to effectively treat and prevent breakouts with HEALTHY ESSENTIALS^®.

©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016