Acne develops when sebum and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) can trigger inflammation resulting in more severe acne.
Hormonal acne is influenced by hormonal imbalances in your body. Hormonal acne is most common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause and is caused by excess androgens of stress hormones increasing sebum production and thereby increasing the possibility of C. acnes colonization.
Bacterial acne is caused by an overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes on the skin in environments where there is excess sebum. It typically presents as whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules which can appear anywhere on the face, back, or chest.
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