What causes acne?
Hormones ramp up oil production, dead skin cells clog pores, and you get whiteheads and blackheads. When C. acnes bacteria multiply and inflammation sets in, those turn into red bumps, pus-filled pimples, and deep nodules. Persistent jawline acne in adult women can prompt a check for hormonal issues like PCOS. Some research links high-glycemic diets and dairy to flares in certain people.
Treatment
The AAD's first-line options are topical retinoids (like adapalene) and benzoyl peroxide, adding topical or oral antibiotics for inflamed acne. Severe, scarring, or stubborn acne may call for isotretinoin, which requires strict pregnancy prevention because it causes birth defects. Squeezing pimples drives inflammation deeper and raises the odds of scars and dark marks.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Does washing more often help?
- Twice a day with a gentle cleanser is enough. Scrubbing harder can irritate skin and make acne worse.
- Does chocolate cause acne?
- The evidence points more to high-sugar diets overall than to chocolate itself, and it varies by person.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Reynolds, R. V., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30.
- Zaenglein, A. L. (2018). Acne vulgaris. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(14), 1343–1352.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Acne. NIAMS.