Acne is a condition characterized by localized skin inflammation, stemming from the excessive activity of oil glands located at the base of specific hair follicles. This occurs when the sebaceous glands become active around puberty due to stimulation by male hormones produced in the adrenal glands of both genders.Positioned just beneath the skin, these oil glands continually generate and release oil through skin openings, which helps to moisturize and protect the skin. However, certain conditions can lead to cells obstructing these gland openings, resulting in an accumulation of oil beneath the skin's surface.Normally harmless bacteria present on everyone's skin may start to thrive on this oil, increasing in number and causing inflammation in nearby tissues if the follicle bursts. When inflammation occurs close to the surface, it results in a pustule; if deeper, it forms a papule or pimple; and even deeper, it becomes a cyst. A "whitehead" occurs when the pore remains closed to the surface, while a "blackhead" forms when the pore is wide open, allowing the oil to oxidize with air, turning it from white to black.Acne is commonly known as pimples.
