What is Acne?

Acne is the most common skincare problem seen by doctors. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged by a combination of an oily substance (produced by the skin) called sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells.

Often, bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), can be present too, which can contribute to the redness, swelling and pus that can accompany lesions. The visible result is acne, which is the term used to describe blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. Acne usually appears on the face and neck but it can include shoulders, back, and arms.

Within these pages, you will find a number of useful resources and tipsheets on:

• Baby acne
• Teen acne
• Adult acne

• Acne Scarring
• Types of Treatments
• Flare up Triggers

• Psychological Effects of Acne
• Stages of Acne
• Tips & Myths

Who gets acne and when?

Everyone gets a pimple somewhere on their body sometime in their lifetime.

Acne often starts around puberty, and it may last about 5-10 years or it can continue into adulthood. Even some babies develop acne shortly after birth.

It can usually be treated with topical over-the counter (OTC) products if mild to moderate. For more severe, stubborn and/or widespread acne, however, it is recommended that you see your family doctor or a dermatologist, so s/he can prescribe something stronger.

What causes acne?

Overactive sebaceous (oil-producing) glands that start producing more sebum, usually at puberty. In some people, the excess sebum clogs pores, which leads to the inflammation (redness and swelling) often associated with acne.

Heredity (your genes) is another factor that can determine who gets acne and how severe. If either or both of your parents had acne, you are more likely to develop the skin condition too.

About baby acne

Acne can even show up as early as birth, but this form is more specifically called acne neonatorum or simply “baby acne”. It is a common skin condition that affects about 20% of all newborns. Mainly affecting the cheeks and nose, lesions appear as small, red papules.

Baby acne usually appears 2 weeks after birth and lasts from a few weeks to a few months, however it usually clears by 3 months. The cause is maternal hormones that remain after delivery and stimulate the baby’s sebaceous glands. The maternal hormones cross the placenta into the baby, which cause the overactive oil glands to produce pimple-like bumps. 

Baby acne can flare up and become more irritated when skin comes into contact with saliva, milk, some fabrics, or when a baby is too hot. Unlike other kinds of acne, baby acne will clear up on its own and it does not require any treatment. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend some form of topical treatment. Also, having baby acne does not predict who will develop acne as adolescents or teens.

About teen acne

Most teens are affected by acne to some degree. That’s because the surge in sex hormones that happens at puberty also seems to jumpstart acne.

How? Male hormones, known as androgens, increase the size and number of sebaceous glands as well as the amount of sebum (oily substance) they produce. Some studies have shown that the earlier acne appears, the worse it can get during the teen years.

Talking about acne and treating it early, no matter how mild or invisible it may look to others, is vital to keep the condition from becoming more severe and causing permanent scarring.

About adult acne

Acne that starts during adolescence or teens can continue into adulthood in a milder or more severe form. Meanwhile, just because you made it through your teens without a blemish doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear yet. Acne can begin in adulthood too, and three quarters of adult acne occurs in women.

Sexual hormone fluctuations are usually responsible, which is why women may suffer “cyclical acne” that shows up before their menstrual periods, or acne flare-ups during pregnancy or menopause.

When to see a dermatologist

You should see a doctor when treating acne yourself using OTC products isn’t improving your skin condition. Your family doctor or a dermatologist can help even with mild cases of acne. That’s because even mild acne can still potentially lead to scarring, and there is no way of predicting if mild acne will progress to becoming more severe over time.