6 must-know facts about acne
Discover truths about pimples, plus learn how to prevent and treat breakouts.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
If you have acne, you’re not alone. Up to 50 million people in the United States are affected by this inflammatory skin condition. Risk factors for breakouts include hormones (in people of all genders), family history, age, and medications.
Here’s what you need to know about pimples, plus what you can do to lower your chances of a breakout.
Written byAna Lopez.
Medically reviewed byAmy Gonzales, MD.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. Accessed on February 18 + 9
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. Accessed on February 18, 2023.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Adult Acne. Accessed on February 18, 2023.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Acne. Page last reviewed August 2020.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Is your workout causing your acne? Accessed on February 18, 2023.
- Paula Ludmann and Brooke Schleehauf. Acne: Tips for Managing. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Page last updated November 16, 2022.
- Yang J, Yang H, Xu A, et al. A Review of Advancement on Influencing Factors of Acne: An Emphasis on Environment Characteristics. Front Public Health. 2020;8:450.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Acne: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. Page last reviewed August 2020.
- Paula Ludmann. 9 Things to Try When Acne Won’t Clear. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Page last updated November 30, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. Nonprescription acne treatment: Which products work best? July 21, 2022.
- National Health Service (UK). Treatment: Acne. Last reviewed January 3, 2023.
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