What is the primary cause of acne vulgaris?

The primary cause of acne vulgaris is the overproduction of sebum combined with clogged hair follicles. Acne develops when sebaceous glands within the skin produce an excess of oil, known as sebum. This overproduction can lead to the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells, which together can clog hair follicles. When hair follicles are blocked, it creates an environment conducive to the growth of acne-causing bacteria, and this can result in inflammation and the development of acne lesions.

The role of sebum and clogged follicles is crucial because the process of acne formation begins with these physiological changes. When the follicles become clogged, it not only traps oil and dead skin cells but also allows bacteria to thrive, leading to the characteristic pimples, blackheads, and cysts associated with acne vulgaris. Recognizing sebum overproduction and clogged follicles as the foundational factors helps in understanding how acne forms and informs treatment strategies aimed at regulating oil production and promoting proper exfoliation to prevent clogging.