Acne is largely a hormonal condition that’s driven by androgen hormones, which typically become active during the teenage and young adult years. Sensitivity to these hormones combined with surface bacteria on the skin and fatty acids within sebaceous glands can result in acne.

When oil and dead skin cells clog pores, papules and pustules can appear. The breakouts usually develop on the face, although they can also arise on the back, chest, and shoulders. Blackheads and whiteheads, also known as comedones are the typical lesions apparent in acne however other inflammatory lesions like papules, pustules, nodules and sometimes cysts may also appear. These lesions are more likely to cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

For most clients, acne breakouts usually appear during their teenage years while going through puberty however for some clients, acne can become a reoccurring condition that they deal with even through adulthood.