How does acne develop?

Development of acne vulgaris - a pathology comic to explain how acne develops from normal (commensal) bacteria that live on our skin. Hormonal shifts like puberty can increase our sebum production and provoke acne. This affects most teenagers to some degree and can affect our mental health. It is not contagious, and it can be treated.

The skin is more sensitive when acne is present so it is important not to be aggressive in your skincare; harsh and abrasive products and rubbing/picking/squeezing can make it worse. Certain kinds of makeup can block pores and exacerbate a flare of acne too, so you need to find what works best for your own skin. As more severe acne can cause scarring, sometimes medical treatment is recommended.