The term "acnegenic" refers to something that causes or promotes acne. Acnegenic agents or factors cause acne by increasing the production of sebum (skin oil), blocking hair follicles, or triggering inflammation in the skin. What acnegenic causes in the skin:
- Excess sebum production by sebaceous glands, which mixes with dead skin cells to block hair follicles (pores)
- Formation of plugs in hair follicles, leading to whiteheads (closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones)
- Growth of bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), which thrives in the sebum-rich environment and causes inflammation by activating immune responses
- Inflammatory acne lesions like papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts due to bacterial infection and immune activation
- Androgen hormones stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, contributing to acne development
- External factors like oil-based cosmetics, occlusive clothing, certain medications, and hormonal changes can be acnegenic by promoting follicle blockage or inflammation
In summary, acnegenic causes lead to clogged follicles, increased sebum production, bacterial proliferation, and inflammation, all of which contribute to the formation and worsening of acne
