It is experienced by approximately 85% of the adolescent population. Epidemiological studies have found that 40-54% of men and women will continue to have some form of facial acne at the age of 25 and that 12% of women and 3% of men will have persistent acne past this milestone. A significant portion of those experiencing acne vulgaris will seek treatment for the skin condition. In addition to factors like genetics, diet, and cosmetics, the development of acne is influenced by four key factors:

1. Hyperseborrhea and dysseborrhea
2. Altered keratinisation and barrier function of the pilosebaceous duct
3. Fermentation of Cutibacterium acnes
4. Inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicle