Researchers have found that stress and acne are related. In response to stress, our bodies produce cortisol that elevates the secretion of androgens. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands that open onto the hair follicles in the skin, causing acne. Reducing stress plays a vital role in hormonal acne treatment.
Any of the causative factors mentioned above can lead to oily or greasy skin due to increased sebum production, which is present at the root of the hair follicle. The overproduction of sebum leads to a blockage resulting in clogged pores called comedones. These comedones are made worse by new skin cells or local bacterial infection. The presence of black or whiteheads is also evident at the tip of the comedones.
Simple acne, commonly known as pimples, becomes pustules when they become infected and filled with pus. They may continue to grow and becomes nodules and cysts due to infection.