Acne begins after the skin’s oil glands known as sebaceous glands plug the openings of hair follicles. Acne affects several parts of the body including the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and the upper arms. However, acne is developed most commonly on the face. A common fad about acne is that a harmful diet, poor hygiene, and sex drive can cause acne. While stress may play a role in aggravating acne, stress alone in fact does NOT cause acne. The following are the primary risk factors for the development of acne:
 

Hormones

Acne begins with an increase in hormones, especially in teenagers experiencing puberty. During puberty, males and females experience an increase in androgens, most commonly referred to as testosterone. Testosterone signals the skin’s oil glands to produce excess sebum (oil).  If females take birth control, the may see that they may or may not develop acne. This is because birth control purposefully alters a female’s hormones to inhibit pregnancy. The same goes for males who take steroids.

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Bacteria

Once excess oil clogs hair follicles, bacteria begin to grow inside of these clogged follicles causing blackheads and whiteheads to form on the skin’s surface.

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In summary, the formation of acne depends on how the skin responds to an increase of oil production caused by hormones and bacteria. The sensitivity of skin to acne varies from person to person. What may cause a few pimples in one person may result in an widespread outbreak or cystic acne in others.