Acne

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I prevent acne?

   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
• How can I get rid of acne scars?

  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
• Is acne genetic?

  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
• How long does acne last?

  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.