Acne is due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and local skin factors acting on the skin’s oil-producing glands. These glands act as the skin’s natural moisturiser and are especially concentrated on the face, chest, and back.

Acne deveops when three key changes occur within these oil glands:

1. The Oil-Producing Gland (the "Pore") Becomes Blocked

The gland opening is either anatomically narrowed, or the cells lining its opening become 'sticky' and clump together to form a plug, or both. 

When this happens, the oil cannot escape naturally onto the skin surface, and then swells from the trapped oil — which we see as a 'whitehead'. Clogged pores - whiteheads and blackheads - are especially common during puberty and adolescence when oil production is highest, or when the wrong skincare products/makeup are blocking your pores.

2. Bacterial Growth

Once a pore is blocked, it creates the ideal environment for the bacteria that naturally live within it, to multiply. 

3. Inflammation

The bacterial overgrowth then leads to inflammation inside the gland which we see on the surface as acne and 'pimples'.

The Truth About Acne

It’s important to understand that acne is not a result of unclean skin or poor hygiene, nor is it caused by specific foods.

Instead, it’s the result of internal factors combined with external triggers.

With the right approach and care — such as Dr Mayson’s 3-Phase Anti-Acne Program — the underlying causes can be effectively managed to support a clearer, smoother, and healthier-looking complexion.