What's happening under the surface
How a pimple
is made.
Acne starts in your pores — tiny openings for hair follicles. Each one has an oil gland. When things get backed up, here's what happens:
Step 01
Extra oil
During puberty, hormones called androgens tell oil glands to make more sebum (skin oil).
Step 02
Clogged pore
Oil mixes with dead skin cells and plugs the pore. That plug is a whitehead or blackhead.
Step 03
Inflammation
Bacteria that normally live on skin (C. acnes) grow in the plug, and your body reacts — causing red, swollen pimples.
Types of acne
Know your
breakout.
Blackheads
Open clogged pores. The dark color is oil reacting with air — not dirt.
MildWhiteheads
Clogged pores that stay closed under the skin's surface.
MildPapules & pustules
Red, tender bumps; pustules have a white or yellow center.
ModerateNodules & cysts
Deep, painful lumps under the skin. These can scar, so see a dermatologist.
See a proWhat can make it worse
Common
triggers.
Acne is not your fault. A lot of it is genetics and hormones. But some things can make breakouts worse.
Friction & pressure
Helmets, chin straps, backpack straps, and phones pressed to your face can irritate skin and trigger breakouts.
Heavy products
Some oily hair and skin products can clog pores. Look for "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores."
Scrubbing & picking
Harsh scrubbing and picking irritate skin, increase inflammation, and can leave scars or dark marks.
Diet (still being studied)
Some research links high-glycemic foods (like sugary drinks and white bread) and skim milk to more acne in some people. The evidence is still developing — and no single food is the "cause."
What helps
A routine that
actually works.
- Wash twice a day — gently.Use a mild cleanser and your fingertips, plus after sweating. No rough scrubbing.
- Try proven ingredients.Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene gel. See how they work →
- Be patient.Most acne treatments take 4–8 weeks to show results. Change one product at a time.
- Hands off.Don't pop, pick, or squeeze — it can push bacteria deeper and cause scars.
- Moisturize and wear sunscreen.Many acne treatments are drying and can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
When to see a dermatologist
You don't have to
"just wait it out."
See a dermatologist if your acne is painful or deep, leaves scars or dark spots, hasn't improved after a couple of months of consistent over-the-counter care, or is affecting how you feel about yourself. Effective prescription treatments exist.