Overview

Your skin has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple or “zit.” If your skin is repeatedly affected by this condition, you may have acne.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. Although acne isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be painful, particularly when it’s severe. It can also cause emotional distress.

Acne that appears on your face can affect your self-esteem and, over time, may cause permanent physical scarring.

There are many effective treatments for acne that reduce both the number of pimples you get and your chance of scarring.

Acne can be found almost anywhere on your body. It most commonly develops on your face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.

If you have acne, you’ll typically notice pimples that are white or black. Both blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones.

Blackheads open at the surface of your skin, giving them a black appearance because of oxygen in the air. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of your skin, giving them a white appearance.

While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, other types can also occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of your skin. These include:

  • Papules are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
  • Pustules are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.
  • Nodules are solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
  • Cysts are large lumps found beneath your skin that contain pus and are usually painful.

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.

Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland.

The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin lubricated and soft.

One or more problems in this lubrication process can cause acne. It can occur when:

  • too much oil is produced by your follicles
  • dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
  • bacteria build up in your pores

These problems contribute to the development of pimples. A pimple appears when bacteria grows in a clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.

Myths about what contributes to acne are quite common. Many people believe that foods such as chocolate or French fries will contribute to acne. While there’s no scientific support for these claims, there are certain risk factors for developing acne. These include:

  • hormonal changes caused by puberty or pregnancy
  • certain medications, such as certain birth control pills or corticosteroids
  • a diet high in refined sugars or carbohydrates, such as bread and chips
  • having parents who had acne

People are most at risk for developing acne during puberty. During this time, your body undergoes hormonal changes. These changes can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides, or at least improves when you reach adulthood.

If you have symptoms of acne, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. Your doctor will identify the types of lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment.

At-home care

There are a few self-care activities you can try at home to prevent pimples and clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne include:

  • cleaning your skin daily with a mild soap to remove excess oil and dirt
  • shampooing your hair regularly and keeping it out of your face
  • using makeup that’s water-based or labeled “noncomedogenic” (not pore-clogging)
  • not squeezing or picking pimples, which spreads bacteria and excess oil
  • not wearing hats or tight headbands
  • not touching your face

Medication

If self-care doesn’t help with your acne, a few over-the-counter acne medications are available. Most of these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or reduce oil on your skin. These include:

  • Benzoyl peroxide is present in many acne creams and gels. It’s used for drying out existing pimples and preventing new ones. Benzoyl peroxide also kills acne-causing bacteria.
  • Sulfur is a natural ingredient with a distinctive smell that’s found in some lotions, cleansers, and masks.
  • Resorcinol is a less common ingredient used to remove dead skin cells.
  • Salicylic acid is often used in soaps and acne washes. It helps prevent pores from getting plugged.

Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms. If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice. Your doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce your symptoms and prevent scarring. These include:

  • Oral or topical antibiotics reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause pimples. Typically, antibiotics are only used for a short time so that your body doesn’t build up a resistance and leave you prone to infections.
  • Prescription topical creams such as retinoic acid or prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide is often stronger than over-the-counter treatments. They work to reduce oil production. Benzoyl peroxide serves as a bactericidal agent that prevents the resistance of acne-causing bacteria to antibiotics. It also has moderate comedone-destroying and anti-inflammatory properties.

Women with hormonal acne may be treated with birth control pills or spironolactone. These medications regulate hormones that can cause acne through a decrease in oil production.

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a vitamin-A-based medication used to treat certain cases of severe nodular acne. It can cause serious side effects, and it’s only used when other treatments don’t work.

Your doctor may recommend procedures to treat severe acne and prevent scarring. These procedures work by removing damaged skin and reducing oil production. They include:

  • Photodynamic therapy uses medication and a special light or laser to reduce oil production and bacteria. Other lasers may be used alone to help improve acne or scarring.
  • Dermabrasion removes the top layers of your skin with a rotating brush and would be best for treating acne scarring as opposed to a treatment for acne. Microdermabrasion is a milder treatment that helps remove dead skin cells.
  • A chemical peel removes the top layers of your skin. That skin peels off to reveal less damaged skin underneath. Chemical peels can improve mild acne scarring.
  • Your doctor may suggest using cortisone injections if your acne consists of large cysts. Cortisone is a steroid naturally produced by your body. It can reduce inflammation and speed healing. Cortisone is usually used along with other acne treatments.

Treatment for acne is often successful. Most people can expect their acne to begin clearing up within six to eight weeks. However, flare-ups are common and may require additional or long-term treatment. Isotretinoin is the treatment most likely to provide permanent or long-term positive results.

Acne scarring can cause emotional distress. But, prompt treatment can help prevent scarring. Also, your dermatologist will have treatment options designed to treat scarring.

It’s difficult to prevent acne. But you can take steps at home to help prevent acne after treatment. These steps include:

  • washing your face twice a day with an oil-free cleanser
  • using an over-the-counter acne cream to remove excess oil
  • avoiding makeup that contains oil
  • removing makeup and cleaning your skin thoroughly before bed
  • showering after exercising
  • avoiding tight-fitting clothing
  • eating a healthy diet with minimal refined sugars
  • reducing stress

Speak with your doctor to learn more about strategies to manage your acne.