Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) is a bacteria that lives on our skin.  When sebum (an oil in our skin) is working overtime then this is the time, that P.acnes works its way into the clogged pore so with dead skin and an overload of sebum it therefore creates an inflammation of the pore and creates the inflamed pimple.

Now you are probably wondering then why do I have problems with acne and others don't.

You need to understand the make up of acne. Acne is a androgenic (male hormone) disorder which means it is a hormone that produces male characteristics, so when androgen stimulates the sebaceous follicles this is when the acne lesions start.  Males tend to have more acne than females because of the androgen.

In order for you to get the correct medication to help cure your acne you need to perhaps see a dermatologist so they can then get the history of when your acne tends to start and where on your skin it begins.  The trigger for most women is just before there monthly cycle which is when the hormones are raging.  Once their monthly is finished then that is when the acne, extra hair growth and other symptoms disappears.

For those of you who don't know what a dermatologist is, they are a skin specialist and is able to diagnose and treat various skin diseases or if they are not able to help then they will recommend someone in there profession who is.  Apparently some low dose contraceptives have anti-androgen cyropteronecan which can prevent acne but you will need to talk to your doctor about this.

Hormonal testing for acne can be useful especially when you are having problems finding an affective treatment for it.  The hormonal testing involves the measuring of androgens which will give you an idea at least of when the most likelihood of an acne break out.  Even though you may find the androgen is normal they are still involved in the acne process.

Acne has many myths attached to it, people seem to think that food is an activator but in all honesty there is no scientific data to indicate that diet and acne are connected.