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# What causes acne?

Acne starts when the tiny tubes in your skin, called __hair follicles or pores__, get clogged. These tubes hold your hair and have small glands that release oil. But if too much oil, bacteria, or dead skin cells get stuck inside, they block up the pore. 

|| When a pore gets clogged, it forms a pimple. This makes your skin swollen and painful. You might also notice redness around the pimple, which is a sign of inflammation.