Acne develops when a pore gets blocked: excess oil (sebum) mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug inside the hair follicle. Spots appear mostly on the face, chest, and upper back. These are the areas where oil glands are largest and most active.

No. Acne starts when pores get blocked from the inside, driven mainly by hormones and genetics, not by how clean your skin is. Gentle cleansing twice a day is all you need; harsh scrubbing or over-washing can irritate the skin and actually make acne worse.

It’s not dirt. A blackhead is a blocked pore that stays open, and the dark color comes from the trapped oil reacting with air (oxidizing).

Not directly, but it can make the existing ones worse. Under stress your body produces more cortisol, which pushes your oil glands into overdrive. That’s why skin often flares up during exams or busy work weeks.

Diet is not a major cause of acne, but it can play a role. Foods with a high glycemic index (sugary snacks, white bread) and dairy have been linked to more breakouts. The effect varies a lot from person to person.

Please don’t. Squeezing pushes bacteria deeper into the skin and greatly increases the risk of permanent scarring. Keep your hands away from your face, treating acne early is the best protection against scars.

Yes, acne is highly treatable. Options range from topical creams like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe cases. Because these treatments take weeks or even months to show results, consistency is the key factor. Starting early is the best way to prevent permanent scarring.