ABSTRACT
Despite extensive research over the past century, the pathogenesis of acne
vulgaris remains unclear. In particular, the sequences of events that are involved
in comedogenesis have yet to be elucidated. Comedogenesis is one of the four
primary etiological factors of acne; the others are increased sebum production
and secretion, follicular duct colonization with Propionibacterium acnes
(P. acnes), and the inflammatory response. These four factors should not be seen
as distinct phases, but rather as closely interrelated mechanisms that ultimately
lead to the clinical disease acne vulgaris.
