Acne doesn’t begin on the surface.
It starts when oil, dead skin, and debris clog a pore.
From there, bacteria and inflammation decide how serious it becomes.
Some breakouts are mild. Others are painful and deep.
Whiteheads and blackheads form when pores are blocked but not infected. Blackheads turn dark simply because the clogged material is exposed to air.
Red pimples, pustules, nodules, and cysts happen when bacteria grow inside the clogged pore. The body reacts with swelling, redness, and tenderness.
Squeezing may feel tempting, but it often pushes inflammation deeper and increases the risk of scars and dark marks.
Acne is not only about what you put on your skin. Hormones, stress, lack of sleep, and diet can all increase oil production and inflammation. That’s why breakouts sometimes return even when you’re using good products.
Mild acne may improve with ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol. Deeper, painful acne often needs professional treatment.
Acne is a mix of clogged pores and internal triggers.
Understanding what type you have is the first step toward clearer skin.