Research has shown that genetics play a big part in the development and persistence of acne, so your family history is a valuable prediction tool when considering the various causes of acne. One of the best weapons in the fight against acne, is knowledge; if you know what causes it, it becomes easier to formulate a good plan of attack. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause a breakout. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents.

The causes of acne is multifactorial, but theories regarding dietary influences appear to be groundless. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors.

Oil glands are located deep in the skin. They are also known as sebaceous glands. Each oil gland is connected to a tiny canal that contains a hair. The canal is called a follicle. The glands produce oil or sebum that flows to the surface of the skin through these canals to lubricate the hair follicles and the surrounding skin to prevent drying. When the follicle is "full", the sebum spreads over the skin surface giving the skin an oily appearance. The primary problem is that the abnormal flaking of cells inside the hair follicle leads to the formation of a plug. During times of stress, the adrenal glands produce increased levels of hormones, causing even greater enlargement of the oil glands. The oil glands become overactive and start producing more oil or sebum. The extra sebum can block the hair follicle and result in a pimple. Bacteria can grow and cause redness and irritation inflammation. Skin on the face, chest, and back has an especially large number of sebaceous glands and that’s why acne generally appears more frequently on these areas.