Cystic acne is technically known as acne vulgaris or pimples. It is a chronic skin disorder characterized by cysts, open and closed comedones or plugged lesions containing a “cottage-cheese” like material, pus pockets and raised red swelling. Specifically, cystic acne occurs when the skin pores become plugged. Each pore is an opening to a canal known as a follicle which contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil glands normally work to aid keep the skin lubricated and to remove the old skin cells. However, when the oil glands excrete too much oil, the pores can become blocked, then accumulating debris, dirt and bacteria. It is the blockage or plug that is often called a comedone.

One of the most mysterious aspects of acne (a very chronic skin condition) is the fact that acne causes are still unknown with certainty. However, the majority of the medical professionals believe that it stems from a number of related factors.

Among the acne causes that have been deemed responsible for this chronic skin condition has to do with the rising hormone levels. According to some studies, certain hormones known as androgens trigger the formation of acne as they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin. They then cause these oil-producing glands to increase sebum or oil production, which then leads to the formation of plugs, serving as more food for the acne-causing bacteria in the end. These hormones are actually present in both men and women, and usually surge at puberty. This fact explains why teenagers develop armpit and pubic hair, and why boys develop facial hair and deeper voices, other than why acne forms.