Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point
It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch
It most commonly affects the face, back and chest
There are 6 main types of spot, ranging from mild to more severe
It can't be cured, but it can be controlled with treatment
About Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch. It most commonly develops on the face, affecting almost everyone with acne, the back, affecting more than half of people with acne, and the chest, affecting around 15% of people with acne.
Types of Spots
There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne. Blackheads are small black or yellowish bumps — they're not filled with dirt, but appear dark because of colour produced by the inner lining of the hair follicle. Whiteheads look similar but are firmer and won't empty when squeezed. Papules are small red bumps that can feel tender or sore, while pustules look similar but have a white, pus-filled tip. Nodules are large, hard, sometimes painful lumps beneath the skin's surface. Cysts are the most severe type — large, pus-filled lumps similar to boils, carrying the greatest risk of permanent scarring.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Acne · Self-Care
Self-Care and When to Seek Help
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Things You Can Try Yourself
Do
Wash affected skin no more than twice a day, with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water
Use water-based, "non-comedogenic" make-up, skincare and suncare products
Completely remove make-up before bed
Use a fragrance-free, water-based emollient if dry skin is a problem
Shower as soon as possible after exercise, since sweat can irritate acne
Wash your hair regularly, and try to keep it off your face
Don't
Don't wash affected areas more than twice a day — this can irritate skin and worsen symptoms
Don't try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots — this can worsen them and cause permanent scarring
Don't use oily or oil-based ("comedogenic") products
Regular exercise can't improve acne directly, but it can boost your mood and self-esteem. Although acne can't be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.
Pharmacy Treatments
If you have mild acne, it's worth speaking to a pharmacist for advice — several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available to buy. Products containing a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide may be recommended, though this can bleach clothing, so take care.
When to See a GP
See a GP if pharmacy treatments aren't controlling your acne, or it's making you feel very unhappy, or if you have moderate or severe acne, or develop nodules or cysts, since these need proper treatment to avoid scarring. If acne is severe or appears on the chest and back, it may need prescription-only antibiotics or stronger creams. Try to resist picking or squeezing spots, since this can cause permanent scarring, and treatments can take several months to work, so don't expect results overnight — once they do start working, results are usually good.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Acne · Causes
Why Acne Happens, and Who's Affected
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Why Acne Develops
Acne is most commonly linked to hormone changes during puberty, though it can start at any age. Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles to produce more oil (abnormal sebum). This changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus. The same hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, blocking pores — cleaning the skin doesn't help remove this blockage.
Other Possible Causes
Acne is known to run in families — if both your parents had acne, it's likely you'll have it too. Hormonal changes, such as those during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also trigger episodes of acne in women. There's no evidence that poor hygiene or sexual activity play any role in causing acne.
Who's Affected
Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adults, affecting around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 to some extent. It's most common in girls aged 14 to 17, and boys aged 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before it improves as they get older, often disappearing by the mid-20s, though it can continue into later adult life — around 3% of adults over 35 still have acne.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
