Hormones called andogens cause an increase in sebum production. An increase in sebum production clogs the pores and drives the p.acnes bacteria into the sebum-rich, low-oxygen environment where an inflammatory response kicks off, leading to red, painful breakouts.

Yes, we do. However, there are different strains of the bacteria and some are more aggressive.

This is a difficult one to answer and science is always discovering more. However, we do know a few things:

Sebum plays a critical role in acne, and people with excess oil may be more prone to larger pores and breakouts. However, everyone can get a clogged pore. We are always shedding dead skin cells and if these are not properly washed and cleared away, pores will get clogged.  On top of that, you may have more aggressive strains of p.acnes bacteria, meaning that you are prone to inflammatory acne under the right conditions.

In simple terms, purging happens when the gunk clogging your pores (microcomedones) comes to the surface and "purges" out of your skin, usually due to using a retinoid or BHA. Essentially purging is speeding up the exit (and possible severity) of your future breakouts, making you one step closer to clearer skin.

If you are using a retinoid, AHA, or BHA (salicylic acid) product, you could experience some light purging. If you don't like how fast your skin is removing the congested waste in your pores, the quickest and easiest answer is to slow down your use of the purging product. Apply 3 nights a week and work your way up.

It can be hard to tell if you are purging or if a new product is breaking you out, but there are a few telltale signs: purging may look like a regular breakout cycle, but it usually clears up faster. If you are using a new retinoid, AHA, or BHA, it is likely to be purging. If it is a new product like a sunscreen or shampoo, it is likely to be a reactive breakout.

Contrary to popular belief, a well formulated face oil does not cause excess sebum buildup on the skin. As a matter of fact, it can help! Face oils should have a "dry touch" finish, meaning they sink in and disappear. UFO Acne Treatment Face Oil is a medicated dry oil with 1.5% salicylic acid, to fight breakouts without disrupting the natural moisture barrier (which can lead to inflammation and further breakouts).

Not likely. P. Acnes bacteria forms biofilms, meaning that they are pretty good at clustering together and sticking to your skin. Plus, the p.acnes bacteria that are already inside of your closed comedones won't get scrubbed away by a physical exfoliant. It's best to exfoliate with an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), like Good Genes, to remove the dead skin cells, and use a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), like UFO, to gently dissolve the sebum buildup.