What Is Acne, Why Does It Appear? What You Need to Know About Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles and their associated oil glands become inflamed. The oil glands under our skin produce an oil called sebum to protect and keep the skin moisturized. Normally, this process is essential for skin health. However, in some cases:

• Increased sebum production,

• Dead skin cells clogging pores,

• Proliferation of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes

When these conditions combine, pores become inflamed and pimples appear.

Appearance of acne-prone skin

Why do pimples appear?

There is no single answer to the question of why pimples appear. This is because many factors play a role together in the formation of pimples:

Hormonal changes:

Increased androgen hormones during adolescence enlarge the oil glands and increase sebum secretion. For this reason, pimples are quite common in adolescents. In adult women, pimples are often seen in the chin area during the premenstrual period or during hormonal imbalances.

Genetic predisposition:

People with a history of severe acne in their family are more likely to experience pimples.

Sebum and skin type:

People with oily skin types have increased sebum production. This makes it easier for pores to clog.

Bacteria:

Naturally occurring bacteria on the skin surface proliferate when pores are clogged and can cause inflammatory pimples.

Stress:

Although stress is not a direct cause of pimples, it can affect hormone balance and increase acne severity.

Incorrect cosmetic use:

Cosmetic products that are rich in oil or comedogenic (pore-clogging) can lead to an increase in pimples.

What do experts say?

Among external factors, cosmetics have always been blamed as triggering factors. Oil-based cosmetics, when used frequently and for a long time, can cause acne or worsen existing acne. These are mostly seen on the cheeks and chin.

Acne Vulgaris, Ertuğrul H Aydemir

Environmental factors:

Air pollution, prolonged sun exposure, or heavy sweating can trigger the formation of pimples.

Why do pimples appear in certain areas?

Pimples can appear not only on the face but also in different areas of the body. Each area has its own specific causes.

Why do pimples appear on the forehead?

This is usually related to oil from the hairline, shampoo residue, or stress. Additionally, frequently used hair gels, sprays, and similar products can cause pimples on the forehead.

Why do pimples appear on the chin?

The chin area is one of the areas most affected by hormonal changes. Chin pimples, which are common in women during the premenstrual period, may indicate hormonal acne.

Why do pimples appear on the cheeks?

Phone screens, dirty pillowcases, or hands that frequently touch the cheeks can cause pimples on the cheeks. Also, air pollution can increase acne in the cheek area.

Why do pimples appear on the back?

Heavy sweating, not showering after exercise, tight clothing, and fabrics that do not allow the back to breathe facilitate the formation of pimples.

Why do pimples appear on the scalp?

Excess oil on the scalp, shampoo residue, or hair products can clog pores and lead to pimples on the scalp.

In addition to these, acne can also be common on the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Types of pimples

Pimples appear in different forms. The appearance and severity of each type vary:

Blackheads and whiteheads (Comedones): Blackheads form when oil in the pores oxidizes, while whiteheads form when they remain closed.

Papule: Small, red, and inflamed bumps.

Pustule: Pimples containing white pus.

Blind pimple: Deep, painful, and non-emerging swellings. Also known as "swollen pimple with no head" among the public.

Cystic acne: Severe, inflammatory, and often scarring type of acne.

Understanding these types is important when planning acne treatment.

Reasons for persistent pimples

In some people, pimples do not clear up for a long time and become chronic. The reasons for this include:

• Hormonal disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)),

• Metabolic problems such as insulin resistance,

• Incorrect use of cosmetic products,

• Unhealthy eating habits,

• Constant stress and lack of sleep.

In this case, a solution may be sought not only with cosmetic products but also with medical support.

Acne-prone face and psychological effects

Pimples are not just a physical skin problem. Especially during adolescence, an "acne-prone face" can damage individuals' self-confidence. It can affect social life, academic success, and relationships. Therefore, it is important not to view acne merely as an aesthetic problem but to also consider its psychological effects.

Acne scars and blemishes

When pimples heal, sometimes acne spots or permanent scars can remain on the skin. Especially if inflammatory acne is not treated correctly, it can leave deep scars. Although these scars may lighten over time, dermatological treatments (chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, etc.) may be necessary in some cases.

We will address this topic in detail in our next article, when we answer the question "how to get rid of acne scars."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does stress affect acne?

Yes. Stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) can increase oil production, worsening acne severity.

Do acne scars disappear completely?

Superficial blemishes may fade over time; for deep pitted scars or permanent scars, professional treatments such as lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels may be necessary.

Why does acne occur?

Excess sebum, dead skin cells clogging pores, proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, and hormonal changes are the main causes.

Acne is a multifactorial skin problem. It occurs when hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, stress, incorrect product use, and environmental factors combine. Moreover, it can appear in different areas for different reasons: pimples on the forehead, chin, cheeks, or back occur for distinct reasons.

The first step in combating acne is to find the personal answer to the question "why do pimples appear?". Because everyone's skin is different, and the treatment approach should be personalized.

In our next article, we will provide detailed answers to solution-oriented questions such as "How to get rid of pimples, what to do, what foods cause pimples?"

This article was written by Pharmacist Arzum Çetin from the Primum Pharma team.