DOES DIRT CAUSE ACNE?

No, dirt does not cause acne. But it is imperative to have good hygiene. Hormonal surges cause acne. Hormones cause the sebaceous glands (the oil glands attached to your pores) to make more sebum (oil). They also cause a genetic predisposition for some people to have skin that holds dead cells - a condition called retention hyperkeratosis. The cells stick to the sides of the follicle (pore) and are coated with the excess sebum. This buildup of cells and hard sebum causes clogged pores, blackheads and under-the-skin bumps which lead to pimples. Regular, daily cleansing can help as well as exfoliating the skin with AHA peels to get rid of the dead layers.