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Acne is caused by changes in hormone levels at significant points in our lives. Puberty is the most common time to develop acne and it is caused by an increase in testosterone, regardless of sex. This testosterone surge affects the pilosebaceous unit triggering increased sebum production. Sebum is the body’s natural oil that acts to lubricate the skin and helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
Areas most densely populated by sebaceous glands are the face, chest and upper back hence acne typically affects these areas.
Increases in sebum and keratin in the pilosebaceous unit cause a hyperkeratotic plug to form called a microcomedone.