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Sebaceous glands around the hair folliclesproduce sebum (an oily substance) to
lubricate hair growth and waterproof the
surface of the skin. Sometimes too much
sebum is produced during puberty in both
sexes due to male hormones (androgens).
The excess sebum becomes mixed with
dead skin cells, clogging the follicle
opening and encouraging bacteria to
breed. The result is inflammation and acne.
1 HEALTHY SKIN
The sebaceous glands sit in the dermis layer
of the skin, where they produce the right
amount of sebum to lubricate the hair shaft
and waterproof the epidermis.
2 BLACKHEAD
A surge in production of sebum blocks the
pore. The plug of sebum, bacteria and skin
debris reacts with oxygen in the air and
turns black (blackhead or “open comedo”).
3 WHITEHEAD
Sometimes the plug of sebum does not
break through the skin, when it is known as
a whitehead or “closed comedo”. As it
grows larger, it presses on the hair follicle.
4 INFECTED FOLLICLE AND ACNE
Sebum and the bacteria that feed on it leak
from the growing whitehead into the
dermis. The surrounding skin tissue and the
hair follicle become inflamed (acne).