What causes acne?

Theacne affects many people, both teenagers and adults, and can have a significant impact on self-confidence. Understanding the causes of acne is essential for choosing the right treatments and adopting a tailored routine. Between internal and external factors, the emergence of pimples, blackheads, and blemishes is never the result of chance.

1. Excessive sebum production

The main cause of acne is often excess sebum. This natural oil produced by the skin can:

• Clog pores
• Promotes the formation of blackheads and pimples
• Create an environment conducive to the bacteria responsible for inflammation

Oily or combination skin is particularly prone to this phenomenon, but even normal skin can suffer from it occasionally.

Before and after: 3 days of using VIBRE Purifying Moisturizing Cleanser

2. Clogged pores and accumulation of dead skin cells

Pores clogged with sebum then become a breeding ground for acne.The accumulation of dead cells and sebum leads to:

• Closed comedones (whiteheads)
• Open comedones (blackheads)
• Inflammation that can develop into red spots

Gentle, regular exfoliation with suitable active ingredients such assalicylic acid helps prevent this phenomenon.

3. The presence of bacteria

The bacterium Cutibacterium acnes plays a key role in the development of pimples. When a pore is blocked, this bacterium grows, causing:

• Local inflammation
• Redness and irritation
• More painful pimples

Skincare products containing mild antibacterial ingredients, such as niacinamide, can limit their proliferation without irritating the skin.

4. Hormonal factors

Hormones strongly influence acne, especially during:

• Adolescence, with higher androgen production
• Menstrual cycles in women
• Periods of stress, which increase cortisol and sebum production

These hormonal changes explain why certain areas of the face, such as the chin and forehead, are more prone to blemishes.

5. External factors and lifestyle

Acne can also be aggravated by external factors:

• Unbalanced diet (sugar, dairy products, processed foods)
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Unsuitable or overly harshcosmetic products
• Pollution that promotes pore blockage

Adopting a gentle, targeted routine can help limit these effects.

6. A minimalist routine for treating acne

For acne-prone skin, less is often more. A minimalist routine helps reduce irritation while remaining effective. The goal is to use a maximum of four products, with ingredients targeted to treat and prevent blemishes:

1. Gentle cleanser – removes excess sebum and impurities
2. Serum or targeted treatment – contains active ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc
3. Lightweight moisturizer – protects the skin barrier without clogging pores
4. Sunscreen (in the morning) – essential for limiting redness and spots

By focusing on essential and effective products, you avoid overloading the skin while targeting the main causes of acne. This simple approach is often more effective than an overly complex and aggressive routine.

Conclusion

Acne results from a combination of factors: excess sebum, clogged pores, bacteria, hormones, and lifestyle habits. Understanding these causes is essential for choosing a suitable routine, including gentle skincare products, targeted active ingredients such as salicylic acid or niacinamide, and a balanced lifestyle. By identifying the specific triggers for your skin, it is possible to reduce blemishes, soothe inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.