Acne is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the:

Acne is primarily associated with the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oil that helps keep the skin moisturized. In acne, these glands can become overactive, leading to an excess production of sebum. This excess oil, in conjunction with dead skin cells, can clog the pores. The clogged pores create an environment that is favorable for the growth of bacteria, leading to inflammation and the development of acne lesions such as pimples and cysts.

The involvement of the sebaceous glands is central to understanding the pathology of acne, as their activity directly impacts the occurrence of this chronic inflammatory condition. In contrast, hair follicles and the dermis are related structures, but they play different roles in the development of acne. While the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, may trigger acne through the shedding of skin cells, it does not directly influence the inflammatory process associated with the condition as the sebaceous glands do. Thus, the focus on the sebaceous glands highlights their critical role in the etiology of acne.