Our body is covered in tiny pores or hair follicles which produce oil or sebum. This oil or sebum helps keep our face soft and moisturised. However, the pores or hair follicles may get blocked by oil, bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, which results in the development of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

This blocking of pores is commonly referred to as acne. Acne tends to occur in areas with a large amount of oil glands such as the forehead, face, chest, shoulders, and upper back.

In Singapore, acne affects approximately 88% of youths (aged 13-19 years old). If you experienced acne-related issues as a teenager, the chances of you developing adult acne are higher — about 41% of adults with acne experienced this condition since they were adolescents.

• Excess sebum or oil production: acne tends to occur in places of the body with a high number of oil glands. The excess oil gets stuck in the pores causing them to be clogged with oil and bacteria, resulting in acne.
• Genetics: acne can be passed down from family members.
• Bacteria: bacteria and oil can block hair follicles and pores, causing acne.
• Hormones: acne has been shown to be affected by the hormone androgen.
  There are also several factors that can exacerbate your acne:
• Diet: diets high in carbohydrates and dairy can exacerbate your acne.
• Hormones: some women experience a worsening of their acne during or before menstruation.
• Stress: stress does not cause acne, but it can make your symptoms worse.
• Medications: some medications such as those that contain corticosteroids or testosterone can exacerbate your acne.