The sebaceous glands located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricate the skin and keep it soft. Sebaceous glands are found in large numbers on the face, back, chest and shoulders. If this oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed. Acne is NOT caused by dirty pores but most likely by over active oil glands. The excess oil makes the pores sticky allowing bacteria to become trapped inside.
Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores.
Dirt, dust, oils and pollution can clog pores too. This problem can be eliminated by washing the skin with an oil-free acne wash. In severe cases white heads build up, spread under the skin and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation. Factors that contribute to acne include heredity, oily skin and hormones. Other factors that contribute to acne are allergies , stress , the menstrual cycle , nutritional deficiencies , over-washing and repeated rubbing of the skin.