Acne is most commonly caused by the overactivity of sebaceous glands, build up of bacteria, and changes in hormone levels. Sebaceous glands produce oils on the skin to keep the skin hydrated, however, in people with acne-prone skin, the sebaceous glands overproduce oils even when skin pores are clogged. Conditions caused by clogged pores - the lack of air and excess oil - are breeding grounds for acne-causing bacteria. As the number of bacteria grows, the glands become inflamed and rupture on the skin in the form of acne.

Most people first encounter acne when they reach adolescence because of fluctuating hormone levels. DHT, a form of testosterone that is present in both male and female, is attributed to the formation of acne by triggering the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Therefore, hormones are the source of monthly and mid-life flare-ups as well as breakouts during pregnancy in women.

There are four types of acne: open comedones (blackheads), pustules (closed comedones, also known as whiteheads), papules, and nodular cysts. These inflammations appear most frequently on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

Acne is often difficult to eradicate because it forms well below the skin's surface before it appears. To successfully control acne, you must attack it from all stages of formation and rigorously follow a daily regimen between professional treatments.

Sesha Skin Therapy has created a simple system to address the full cycle of breakouts - from clarifying the skin from superficial bacteria, to treating existing acne, killing bacteria under the skin, and controlling excess oil production.