Causes of Acne

Normally, the skin produces sebum and sheds dead skin cells daily. Therefore, these dead skin cells and sebum need to be cleaned every day. If not cleaned, the dead skin cells and sebum will accumulate and clog the pores. This blockage is the beginning of acne formation.

Sebum production is influenced by hormones, especially androgens. Meanwhile, androgen hormone production peaks during puberty. This is why acne is more commonly experienced by teenagers.

Additionally, several factors can influence the emergence of acne, including:

- Overactive oil glands producing excess sebum

- Disruption in the shedding process of dead skin cells

- Inflammation due to infection by the bacteria *Propionibacterium acnes*

- Changes in androgen hormones, for example, before menstruation, during premenopause, or during pregnancy

Acne Risk Factors

Acne can occur in anyone, but there are factors that can increase the risk of someone experiencing acne, such as:

- Family history of acne

- Continuous friction on the skin, for example, from frequently wearing head coverings or tight clothing around the collar

- Use of cosmetics that contain oil or are comedogenic, especially if not properly cleaned off

- Air pollution or humid air

- Consuming too much high-sugar or high-fat food