Acne is a skin condition that results in plugged pores, pimples and, in more serious cases, inflamed patches of skin and painful cysts. These can appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back and upper arms.
Acne occurs when pores on the skin’s surface become clogged with a buildup of oil (sebum) produced by glands in hair follicles with a mix of dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Acne most often begins in puberty as teenagers experience hormonal changes that can make their skin produce more oil. But anyone can get acne, including babies and adults well into their 40s and 50s.
In fact, acne is the most common U.S. skin disorder, affecting more than 80 percent of Americans during their lifetime. For some, it is a relatively mild condition. For many others, acne can be so severe that it causes scarring and requires medical treatment by a dermatologist.