What Is Acne, Really?

So… What Is Acne?

Acne is basically a clogged pore that gets inflamed. It starts in your hair follicle (yes, even the tiny ones), which is connected to a little oil gland. That oil, called sebum, is totally normal and actually helps protect your skin. But when there’s too much oil, and dead skin cells don’t shed properly, it can create the perfect little plug.

Once the pore is clogged, bacteria can get trapped inside, and your body reacts with redness, swelling, and sometimes pus. That’s how you end up with all the different types of breakouts.

The Different Types of Acne

Not all acne looks the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Whiteheads – Pores that are clogged and closed off under the skin.

• Blackheads – Pores that are clogged but open at the surface, which is why they darken.

• Papules – Small, red bumps that are inflamed but don’t have a visible head.

• Pustules – Like papules, but with pus at the surface (think of the classic “zit”).

• Nodules & Cysts – These live deeper in the skin, can be painful, and usually take longer to heal.

You might’ve also heard of something called “fungal acne” (technically not acne, but it looks a lot like it!). That’s a whole separate thing caused by yeast overgrowth, and it needs to be treated differently. I’ll write more about that in another post.

What Causes Acne?

There’s no one single cause. Acne happens when multiple things come together at the wrong time. These are the main players:

• Too much oil production

• Clogged pores from dead skin

• Bacteria buildup

• Inflammation

But here’s something a lot of people don’t know:

Acne is actually an inherited condition.
If you’re prone to acne, it usually means you were born with pores that are more likely to get clogged. It runs in families so if your parents, siblings, or even cousins had breakouts, chances are you will too.

That’s why two people can use the exact same products and only one breaks out. It’s not about doing things wrong; your skin just needs different support.

Common Triggers That Can Make It Worse

Sometimes your acne isn’t just about what’s happening inside your body it can be triggered by things in your environment or routine too. Here are a few sneaky ones:

• Pore-clogging ingredients in makeup or skincare

• Shampoo and conditioner that drips onto your skin (yes, really!)

• Dirty pillowcases, phone screens, or touching your face a lot

• Over-washing or over-exfoliating your skin

• Stress, which can mess with your hormones and oil production

Why It Helps to Understand Acne

When you understand what’s going on underneath your skin, it’s easier to be patient and consistent with your routine. Acne isn’t something you can “cure” completely because it’s an inherited skin condition, but it can be controlled.

With the right combination of acne-safe skincare, ingredient awareness, and some helpful lifestyle tweaks, most people can get clear and stay clear. It just takes the right plan and a little patience.

You’re not doing anything wrong. And no, your skin isn’t “gross.” It’s just trying to communicate with you. Once you learn how to listen, things get a lot easier.

You’re Not Alone in This

If you’re struggling with breakouts right now, please know you’re not the only one. Acne is a genetic skin condition, not a failure. And even though it can’t be “cured,” it can be managed, and clear skin is possible. I see it happen all the time.

You’re not broken. You just need the right tools, consistency, and support. I hope this post helped you understand your skin a little better.

Next up, I’ll be sharing more about how to tell what type of acne you have and how to treat it without making things worse. Stay tuned. 💛