How To Acne 101

As we mentioned earlier, acne develops when your pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and (in some cases) bacteria. If you have oily skin or a family history of acne, you may be more likely to experience this skin concern. Other factors that can contribute to or worsen acne include humid weather conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and improper skincare practices (like picking at your skin).

Using greasy, pore-clogging cosmetics can also lead to breakouts in some cases. This type of acne even has its own name: acne cosmetica. Of course, these aren’t all of the causes of acne. Acne is a complex skin concern and it can be influenced by a wide range of internal and external factors.

There are several different types of acne, but the most common types include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, papules, nodules, and cysts. Comedonal acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, develops when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If the pore is open, the contents will oxidize, leading to a closed comedone (or a blackhead). If the pore is closed, a whitehead will develop.

When bacteria enter the clogged pore, more stubborn forms of acne—those pesky pimples, pustules, and nodules—can occur. Finally, there’s cystic acne, which is generally considered the most difficult to treat. This type of acne causes pus-filled cysts to develop deep in your skin and generally requires a dermatologist to treat effectively.

You may think of acne as an adolescent skin concern, but the truth is, anyone can experience acne. In fact, a survey conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that more than 42% of adults aged 20 or older experience acne breakouts.² So, if you’re breaking out well past your teenage years, don’t fret: You’re not alone. More importantly, adult breakouts can be managed. If you’re struggling to get your adult acne under control, consider consulting a board-certified dermatologist for help. 

Two of the most common ingredients in non-prescription acne skincare products are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that offers gentle exfoliation and helps improve the appearance of acne. Benzoyl peroxide, meanwhile, targets a common acne-causing bacteria to diminish the appearance of acne blemishes. These ingredients can be found in CeraVe’s gentle yet effective products for acne-prone skin. If you’re unsure which is right for you, a board-certified dermatologist should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Dark spots that appear after an acne breakout are caused by an excess production of melanin, your skin’s natural pigment. Known as post-acne marks (or, more formally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), these spots are particularly common amongst those with darker skin tones, and can make achieving even-looking skin feel like a challenge—especially since they often take a long time to fade.

To help with the process, consider adding CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum to your nightly skincare routine. Formulated with encapsulated retinol, brightening licorice extract, and three essential ceramides, this gentle formula helps promote a more even complexion while supporting your skin’s protective barrier.  

When you have a big, inflamed pimple, it can be really tempting to pop it. But doing so may do more harm than good. Not only does popping your pimples make you more likely to develop post-acne marks, but it can also worsen your acne, as the bacteria from your fingers can spread to your skin. Instead, address acne breakouts with a gentle spot treatment, such as CeraVe’s alcohol-free Acne Control Gel. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin one to three times daily for noticeably-clearer skin within three days.

1. “Skin Conditions By The Numbers.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2023. 
2. Collier, Christin N. et al. “The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008.