Acne Bacteria

Bacteria play an integral role in the formation of acne.  Without this anaerobic (oxygen free) bacteria multiplying under the skin, the infection associated with acne would not happen. 

Propionibacterium acnes (or P.acnes bacteria for short) are a type of bacteria that is normally present in the skin.  This type of bacteria thrives in an oxygen free environment, which is why they are able to multiply once a blockage of the hair occurs.

Once a follicle becomes blocked, P.acnes bacteria present in the shaft begin to multiply.  This in turn attracts the body's white blood cells.  The white blood cells attempt to surround and kill the p.acne bacteria.  Once there are enough P.acnes bacteria and white blood cells together, an infectious lump or closed comedone (whitehead) forms.  And that is how acne starts!

During puberty and other hormonal changes such as menstration, the number of bacteria on the skin surface increases.  This increase in P.acnes bacteria can make it easier for acne to form.