Acne is an inflammatory condition. The sebaceous glands we have on our face, back and chest are larger and in a higher concentration than anywhere else on our bodies. It is these glands which create sebum (oil) and can become inflamed.
The oil created naturally travels up the hair follicle in the skin and onto the surface. Once on the surface it contributes to the micro flora, waterproofs the skin, and helps the skin be resistant to microorganisms.
P.acnes, which is a friendly bacteria, is present both in the hair follicle and on the skin’s surface. This bacterium feeds on the oil produced, creating a change to the triglyceride component (a type of fat) of the oil. This then results in free fatty acids and creates the natural PH balance of the skin.
However, an excess of these free fatty acids can cause inflammation.