Acne is usually described as an inflammatory skin disease. The inflammatory response is influenced by many “on-the-surface” factors such as the overproduction of sebum (oil) and keratin by the sebaceous glands.
This overproduction of oil clogs the hair follicle and leads to bacterial growth.
The bacteria multiplies and causes inflammation, and the result can appear in the form of what is known as a blackhead (an open comedo) or a whitehead (if it’s below the surface).