Acne Resource Center
Health ConditionsSkin ConditionsAcne

Acne

by
Acne is a common skin condition that appears as pimples or cysts on your face, chest, and other parts of your body. It happens when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, trapping bacteria inside. Treatments range from over-the-counter creams to prescription medications and procedures. Lifestyle factors like gentle skin care and choosing oil-free cosmetics can also play a role in managing acne.

What Is Acne?
What Is Acne?
What Is Acne?Medically Reviewed by Lydia J. Johnson, MD | June 12, 2025

FAQ

What causes acne?

Exactly why someone gets acne is unclear, but doctors think it comes from excess oil production or a problem with the way the body gets rid of dead skin cells. Hormones and genetics may also play a role.

Some studies suggest that certain foods, including dairy and simple carbohydrates like sugar, may worsen acne in some people.

Unfortunately, clearing up acne can take time. Stick to your treatment plan, keep your skin clean using gentle oil- and alcohol-free products, and avoid the urge to pick at blemishes.

No single treatment works best for everyone. Your doctor may prescribe a topical treatment such as a retinoid or antibiotic. Systemic treatments include antibiotics, birth control pills, and the diuretic spironolactone.

For most people, acne starts in the teenage years and clears up by the early twenties. For some people, especially women, the condition may be difficult to treat and can continue through adulthood.

Meet Our Experts In Acne
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

See full bio
Kara-Andrew-bio

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle ...

See full bio
Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

See full bio
mohiba-tareen-bio

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Derm...

See full bio
shenara-austin-sexton-bio

Shenara Austin Sexton, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Shenara Austin Sexton, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Forefront Dermatology in Sandy Springs, Georgia. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a memb...

See full bio
Amy-Spizuoco-bio

Amy Spizuoco, DO

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Amy Spizuoco, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Dr. Spizuoco has been practicing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatopatholo...

See full bio
Lydia-J-Johnson-bio

Lydia J. Johnson, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Lydia Johnson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. Her medical career of more than 20 years has included work in private practice and in an academic medical center, as well as ...
See full bio

Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Acne. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. July 2023.

ALL ACNE ARTICLES

5 Best Foods for Acne
woman eating yogurt with blueberries in kitchen
5 Best Foods for AcneMedically Reviewed by Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN | December 12, 2025
What Is Acne?
Acne
What Is Acne?Medically Reviewed by Lydia J. Johnson, MD | June 12, 2025
See All Articles