Acne is a common skin problem that develops when your pores get clogged by oil and dead skin debris. Acne varies in development from very mild to extremely severe. You may only have a few blemishes here and there, or a more extensive breakout. Treatment of acne includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Understanding Acne
Types
Frequently Asked Questions
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You may be able to prevent acne breakouts by:
- Keeping your skin clean
- Shampooing your hair regularly
- Using non-comedogenic sunscreens, moisturizers, and makeup
- Bathing/showering after activity that makes you sweat
If these steps don’t help you prevent breakouts, talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available.
Learn More Diagnosing, Treating, and Preventing Acne -
Laser resurfacing or dermal filler works for some acne scars. For deeper ice pick scars, options are:
- Punch excision: The scar is cut out, and the opening is stitched or glued shut. The resulting scar is smaller and level with the surrounding skin, so it’s less noticeable.
- Punch grafting: For deeper scars, the scar is cut out and skin is grafted to make it level with the surrounding skin.
Learn More Treating Ice Pick Acne Scars -
Not entirely, but it’s believed to have a genetic component. If either of your parents had acne, you’re more likely to have it. However, several other factors contribute to your overall risk, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Wearing makeup
Taking good care of your skin, and especially keeping it from becoming oily, can help you avoid acne breakouts, even if you’re genetically predisposed.
Learn More When Acne Runs in the Family -
There’s no way to say when your acne will go away, but in general, teenage acne tends to diminish with age and go away by the time you’re about 20. You don’t just have to deal with it for the rest of your teen years, though. If good skin hygiene and over-the-counter treatments don’t help, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Treatment
![Beautiful African woman at skincare clinic](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/VOwtwNXEz1uVTY4P6gOS-M4I5nE=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/beautiful-african-woman-at-skincare-clinic-1251094391-8b465d632fec4a86aba16e60f8674ff0.jpg)
![Pharmacist taking medicines from shelf - stock photo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/QC_OB0w08nwWhUHaIrAQFlzPR6I=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1254587973-b57dc7c4b39d4f519ecb10d0fccfae28.jpg)
![How to treat milia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WR1_OVU95InbCUco8mKvsqAeSLo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-treat-milia-15668-notext-final-03467fddf6ac413bbd7f7af52ad027c4.png)
![Back view of senior woman applying cream on neck](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/521BdUNQ8yf3t6ZGz8StaYD-v4Y=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/back-view-of-senior-woman-applying-cream-on-neck-1125579154-af53c8f013b749e79e49eea54ac27e07.jpg)
![Teen age boy shaving](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/MKH65Ukb1WDYPN-oQzJTpLKGL40=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/teen-age-boy-shaving-591693023-acd5c54d60d046d6ad5bd0d15cefb1b9.jpg)
Key Terms
- Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that comes in many forms, including cleansers, gels, lotions, and solutions that are similar to toners. Both over-the-counter and stronger prescription formulations are available. These products are often used to treat acne.
- Cyst
A cyst is an enclosed pocket of tissue that often contains pus or other fluids. Cystic acne is the most severe form of the common skin disease, involving deep, inflamed blemishes on the face or elsewhere on the body. Acne cysts are painful and feel like soft lumps just under the surface of your skin. This form of acne is generally treated with systemic prescription medications.
- Follicle
A follicle is a small hole or cavity. You have many types in your body, but you’ve probably heard the most about hair follicles, which are made up of cells and connective tissues. A follicle surrounds the root of each hair on your body. Clogged follicles, especially along the hairline, can contribute to acne.
- Skin Disease
Skin disease is an umbrella term for conditions that involve irritated, inflamed skin or clogged pores. They can include:
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Allergic rashes
- Hives
When skin diseases affect your appearance, they can be emotionally difficult to deal with. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any skin symptoms that cause physical or emotional distress.
Living With Acne
![A woman looking at the whitehead on her nose](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/ik8mXu57n_FVpcBoIWY2idKcrKs=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1289820513-90d33b0ead924189b0feb7c89108bb81.jpg)
![Young woman with acne looking in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/N3RyGD8nLRj5Erjkf1CwRBHQWeU=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1462797601-cc55aa4a924b428ca7c948500d3f64a3.jpg)
![Woman smelling hot cup of tea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/fQz7HjvgKn0pprGloln_n7x0mNA=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1343262534-14c4747c4be34963a5a4e6c1f6c9df74.jpg)
![Woman exercising at home](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/r9N8ue_bXMqHFpIwkaePolOoONM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-2174202949-bbe3d0e3ef2f40d7a71bbfe3c33befb7.jpg)
![An image of a woman with acne scars using a face massager during her beauty routine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/PXdOwf1-ICq2CvWwQCp_8Qoemcg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1463321962-fd2acf59fbe84b2184744c944fb97e57.jpg)
![An image of a woman eating breakfast](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/R94aW01BJRgjPyBrHFkgXu26Mzs=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1319696982-90676391c6cd47af8373401b37013463.jpg)
![person looking at nose in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/1U8ulw9dONu41YsFeIH0mJFji6M=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1472202510-242b64c82eac4259982583ef9d8ce1bc.jpg)
![Woman spraying facial mist on her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/tKXHNFnh_p7EQehW1KW7yizTDFM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1500245094-a1702e83d4b34a118edc4161f0378496.jpg)
![acne on jawline](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9Pxt6dfSY48paibkA4X8y5h3-ww=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1493956084-529be22b44fe4d508300fa9c56a3ee1c.jpg)
![A young woman looks in the mirror examining inflammation on her face. Acne skin.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9sTb8M_TIb4CyjIRtAX9EjtiNb0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1688245771-94c6a725fa9c478ab630bd03df824c8e.jpg)
![A person an exam in a medical office](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/UB07DkDttxVOWVkaaRHN6u4Qq_g=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/exam-GettyImages-1361924245-a38469a03c904d9294b465bb3f7e3348.jpg)
![cloves of garlic on wooden cutting board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hLhc2r8TuuUDrgP8WZIscaGXBOE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-172191788-5aa12df075b94ae2a59f4ecc58151c5f.jpg)
![A woman holding a mirror and looking at the area around their mouth.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/wcYvV5JI-GNyGtYmsmV6RBhHW9s=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-LeciaLandis-AcneAroundTheMouth-NoTxt-4000x2700-68b461a154ea4a8187ec6447f2ac9e5f.jpg)
![Woman half face with acne inflammation (papule and pustule) on her face and she is holding cosmetic tube for applying acne cream on her face for treat](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/S47uBcR3bTk6-R0cWe7bHBXSFws=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1189543202-324f6410a1bd4e3e818be1ce410f7b86.jpg)
![Man washing his face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Idj4qFJJAg-OINj24mUi85GE9bU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1480294182-8382021de4324483b88d15186c185dc4.jpg)
![A woman putting on skin care face cream](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/XOwb1Rfsjp06yt4YJWtL5lQeeuM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1472291825-51846764c813470281e4a3b9bd248049.jpg)
![Woman washing her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/PVwFffTZP3IB82WVEz7hYtOBSBY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1137620380-e5e2cd1751054e8e95ad7f19ebaf96d4.jpg)
![Woman applying pore strips on nose in bathroom](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hM5_Qki_aUbS-6PsrF0HZ5txY3s=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1472202507-0433a042a0754b67adeb19af2b2f21c5.jpg)
![Man washing face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/oTLZ-CNl0sD7NSBFv0DJz-35rWM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1476508850-174f2dd229f64cedacab0b5f90109cdc.jpg)
![Acne on the chest of a woman vs what breast cancer skin changes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WiWEBMnho_qLEHS1BWPwEHve_7Q=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1412701326-315bb5800b2b40babf98adc70e4f875f.jpg)
![healthcare provider examining person](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/UHPXdRRR8VwLCoxBlRdZrsot9pU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1359714290-649a949e05404bf59cfb9351d8c1ea33.jpg)
![scooping powder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/S3qnHuCabxKl1cyOBrh87g2q3K0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1317393068-32712aa6c9a24b8b9bcc44a607d05c0d.jpg)
![person looking at lip in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-OyqoV4VNWqcJO5FoHDH6AOyNrw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-653767898-835fdfd680e54381bf2f3551742843a4.jpg)
![baby acne or eczema](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/dNZ-1TvsaViTuVPW0A1RuoltX7Y=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-168516611-068c991d63114058a17c235b293667dc.jpg)
![Dark spot on lip of person with acne](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/lQhrQDXk8-bcUx8uwk7ZiBpB5nU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1314279091-24245c02206549599efbddf5e60fbe7a.jpg)
![young Asian woman with acne applying acne cream on her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/izMd1bcGvKCxkqBGuWITelVEFYw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1156036706-45da09fb6eac4cdb9502f14e2a0379ec.jpg)
![Young woman bent over bowl, washing face, smiling](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/o6we_Ir5nODwmTE7H49i3u52LQE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-200266040-001-1a7ac89c2dfd4f8caa36193c94f5b652.jpg)
![Teenage Girl Applying Facial Mask While Looking In Mirror At Bathroom - stock photo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/V9i0E_VsYO07Zg1Bth1Jia-kBMM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1166656052-18ae9016c96f478db433298ef7f13b14.jpg)
![Close up of Asian woman worry about her face when she saw the problem of fungal acne and scar by the mini mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/dAK82nt_21LIi-KAS42VEa9R9Hc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1211364655-d417688a48ab4b31899d9f7757d825e6.jpg)
![Looking sharp!](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/eA_qZXP5ifBBX4GmZa3qElAJ_Kw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/looking-sharp--498402861-3e40c2c27660402aaa7768e320d3d798.jpg)
![man reading about acne conglobata](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4tsmSLzV3YTnTNIOMAhR1q-qTzE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/iStock-523179116-5a845d7dae9ab800377e1af3.jpg)
![Dermatologist examining patient](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/irSGWqLNEEz-Uw0Zu7WBnvXJgpI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-515718865web-56aaf14f5f9b58b7d0091ee6.jpg)
![Woman looking at skin in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/iHkQl40A_EVjEhNC4hfR332G6pU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-548301399-570d2eff3df78c7d9e36d235.jpg)
![Managing nodular acne](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/QmedZdv454EcQKbImkmXpjsdcfs=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/nodular-acne-15817_FINAL-5c5db71fc9e77c0001566700.png)
![Woman receiving a beauty treatment in medical practice - stock photo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/P6cjjtgIKFNm54U-bX82uEyxtyQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1217809645-6465512f6ec94791a4b6c536c24dcc6b.jpg)
![Woman treating her skin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/SWT4_SLNzdmXJGzFZ2-td3Ttu1E=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1007733358-5c05e3df46e0fb00014183d6.jpg)
![a woman examining her face for acne](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xmF7slDAD8TgRjorm-B67G_BmlU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/woman-checking-pimple-1a9456e3eb1d435f8302bb0d5ad12edf.jpg)
![The woman is washing her face.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Bw1RarH6GNYzvEKiYW-HEaqBKwY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/the-woman-is-washing-her-face---88386676-04f4a46af4114e279711f70a8c0cc714.jpg)
![Teenage girl applying acne cream on her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/iAlvnRNFYK1LoFTjZe652ixyTF0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Dry-Skin-Applying-Cream-Dex-Images-Getty-Images-586864435f9b586e02ddf75b.jpg)
![Young woman with acne holds a mirror while moisturizing skin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/LhATayjZa0SlxHGihddu3SDZuKM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/skincareroutine-807b500bdff741b8a5eb69c025ffd40a.jpeg)
![Mother sitting on exercise ball with baby](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/TyYL6f5q808wmM3RbqXCk0-dYE8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-478159793-5797cb633df78ceb8699e2a1.jpg)
![Woman looking at skin in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Wo2zrc9hmUNyJ8WGPWDchJjd3O8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-501666163-56abb9f75f9b58b7d009dd06.jpg)
![Happy Woman With Face Mask In Bathroom](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/VeRS4qBcWXoBYbmtGgSlDRWEarU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/happy-woman-with-face-mask-in-bathroom-1154023581-286464b09b3c462bbd1291362050de74.jpg)
![woman lying down for facial cleansing and Glycolic Acid treatment for skin care](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/5HxbdJFVNMO-oHWIBC4WWeuVRJM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-2168531818-3e0c9a6c46fe445ab049a4daf639baa5.jpg)
![Midsection Of Dermatologist Examining Man At Hospital](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/3-k_a_kj84lYVw5MF09bsll3xno=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/midsection-of-dermatologist-examining-man-at-hospital-1154367062-5231582f313047b49050cce127428083.jpg)
![A woman washing her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/1MaUtcfypyWVaMm6RWZ9PbTTy4o=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/a-woman-washing-her-face-1226909072-77ae51c9bf1249bd948629defa5ebaf0.jpg)
![Track and field athlete ready to run](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/uQrtkstGhNBlG1Km9qjNjdpjduU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/focused-high-school-track-and-field-athlete-ready-595349969-59bffa6022fa3a0011962014.jpg)
![Woman washing her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xFwu3wWdYXuz3r9cUkOJyBxW8LM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-482143017-5715075c3df78c3fa2cf0ac5.jpg)
![Woman picking at her face](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/JWLUMPuk33SJW47bl-eCP8foJTY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-904123262-7895326604514cb99c7d44366ec23189.jpg)
![a baby with acne](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/g3KdaI9XHSL9c3sCGomfjEqsLFE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-168516611-5715061f5f9b588cc20e80e0.jpg)
![A person uses a cleansing mask and facial sponge](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/X0_JFRNRnAbN-9H_RUyUON7e7ek=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cleansing-mask-GettyImages-1419983308-076e1f3770624e8fb83fba70c5714936.jpg)
![Young woman looking in mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9KVOH8-OiaRz_DkruHqxRyTJh6k=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/young-woman-looking-in-mirror-669597680-45a25e15853e472c91c2484cf1f3911e.jpg)
![Close up of Asian woman worry about her face when she saw the problem of acne and scar by the mini mirror.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-z-CiEx7Kp3ju35ltIFfp4Uldv8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/close-up-of-asian-woman-worry-about-her-face-when-she-saw-the-problem-of-acne-and-scar-by-the-mini-mirror--1211364655-d2f1297b5bc44552b2941ad0e0c27e8a.jpg)
![A person checks their scalp in a mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/tPCXj_N2djhqjx-2DdkeCn2zrYs=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/checking-scalp-GettyImages-1297044561-833f006463384b17a97cacd573cbc1fa.jpg)
![A person doing their skin care routine in front of bathroom mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/CIA4ZI3TMg_H7J2YCq9Rqcvu5IU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/skin-care-GettyImages-1405042023-11644f4e3efc489ebc9112fae371bff6.jpg)
![A person checks their forehead in a mirror for acne breakout](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/ZDUSCac6FCEzQXuAtqD85xP1gX8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/acne-GettyImages-539257395-6c6454d9c3f04d9493e6fbf10e0a19e4.jpg)
![Teenage girl with forehead acne](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hw3ZIP_CiRWTZmL84N8_lCunDwk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1303681710-8fe80aa4b5ba48caace18d5ca9a4c0af.jpg)
![Normal skin model on white background](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/1zHkyavdqvIK1RqxunCibMW2gEc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/normal-skin-model-on-white-background-185307835-596802973df78c57f499cf79.jpg)
![Man looking at himself in the mirror](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/gfcnXPc8kH-yuyIeBNyqbm6_dVg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-498402861-56ec68e75f9b5867a1be6b28.jpg)
![Teenage girl drinking glass of milk](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/doXXyILaJ3ZSpy604UKxlyJeDuA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-121330318web-56ec6a8e5f9b5867a1be6be2.jpg)
![Group of friends sitting on grass, laughing](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/eIJ0nNmN1oI5cGODwGiZwUqT99k=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/group-of-friends-sitting-on-grass--laughing-733933071-0cc4cc29d3f045148b2eb8a6f3cacdbc.jpg)