About Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes blemishes to form, most noticeably on the face. Better known as zits or pimples, these blemishes are the result of hormones increasing sebum production that - along with other substances - can clog the skin's pores. Acne usually begins around puberty when hormonal changes cause oil glands to kick into high gear and increase sebum production, but it can result in breakouts at other times for a variety of reasons.3

Just under your skin, there are thousands of oil-producing glands called sebaceous glands. They're found all over the body but most of them are on the face, upper back, and chest.3 Normally, oil passes through pores to the skin's surface. But when dead skin cells, bacteria, or excessive oil blocks the pore, acne can form. This blockage causes oil to pool within the pore and allows acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) to grow. These bacteria often cause inflammation, making the pimple red, sore, and occasionally full of pus.3

Almost everyone has heard that certain foods like chocolate and soft drinks can cause acne: not true. Acne isn't the result of poor hygiene either. Things like stress, fatigue, humidity, cosmetics, and menstrual cycles can aggravate acne, but they don't cause it. In addition, acne tends to run in families.3

Almost every teenager has at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead, or pimple. Having a few zits here and there is normal, and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications. However, more than 40% of teens will have acne conditions that require treatment by a doctor or dermatologist.3

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if any of these statements is true, it may be time to see a dermatologist3:

• You are embarrassed by your acne.
• Your acne makes you shy, depressed, or pessimistic.
• You are preoccupied with or frustrated by your acne.
• Your acne is hurting your performance at school.
• Your acne keeps you from social activities.
• In addition to whiteheads or blackheads, you have painful, pus-filled lesions and reddened spots.
• None of the over-the-counter medications you have tried has worked.
• You are beginning to see scars or dark patches after pimples clear.

There is no instant cure for acne. Don't get discouraged when a popular product hasn't worked for you. People are different, and sometimes a treatment that works for one person won't work for another. Usually, a physician-directed course of treatment can take up to 12 weeks to produce results. Even after some initial success, breakouts can still occur, and subsequent treatments may be needed to keep acne under control.3 Your dermatologist will be able to choose a treatment regimen that's best for your skin type.

There are a number of treatments available for people with acne. For patients with only occasional breakouts, something like an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid acne treatment may do the job. However, those with moderate to severe acne might need a prescription medication. And for those with cystic acne - hard, painful bumps under the skin - something stronger may be needed.3 Ask your dermatologist about the severity of your acne and what type of product is right for you. If you do not have a dermatologist, click here to find a physician near you.

• Wash your face with a mild cleanser in the morning, at night and after heavy exercise. Your dermatologist can recommend a cleanser for you.
• Avoid excess scrubbing because it might increase irritation. Try to keep your hands, hair, and objects like straps, hats, and phones away from your acne.
• Don't touch or squeeze pimples. This can irritate the skin and make acne worse, prolong healing time, and increase the risk of scarring.
• Avoid using oily cosmetics. Look for noncomedogenic (oil-free) cosmetics like foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products. Also, be sure to completely remove makeup before bed.
• Eat a balanced diet and maintain good hygiene.
• Be patient. Your acne may get worse before it gets better, and it usually takes at least a month to evaluate your treatment's effectiveness.
• Follow your dermatologist's instructions and use medications as directed.3