According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. In fact, almost 85 percent of Americans have been affected by acne at some point in their lives. And the majority of patients we see, both teens and adults, are dealing or have dealt with acne.

Surprisingly, despite how prevalent acne is, not a lot of people understand the causes of acne and the ways to prevent and treat it. Which is where we come in. Below we’re breaking down everything you need to know about acne.

What is acne?

Acne is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dirt, oil and bacteria. Causes for acne include hormones, genetics, stress and your environment as well as other factors such as medications, diet, and skincare products. Acne will most often appear on your face, neck, chest or back.

Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest forms of acne, while papules (small, pink bumps on skin) and pustules (pus-filled bumps with a red base) are a more moderate form of acne. The most severe forms of acne are nodules (big, painful lesions that are deeper in skin) and cysts (deep, painful, pus-filled lesions). The severity of your acne and the length of time it sticks around ranges from person to person.

How do you prevent acne?

To help prevent acne from forming, make sure that you are washing and exfoliating your skin regularly. This will help to prevent dead skin cells and bacteria from building up on your face, which in turn can clog your pores and cause acne to form.

If you wear makeup, make sure you are washing your makeup brushes regularly to avoid bacteria build-up. And never sleep with your makeup on, as this can have major pore-clogging consequences. You should also try and avoid working out with your makeup on. Instead, wash off your makeup before you work out.

What are treatment options?

From pore-cleansing acne peels to prescription strength topical creams and oral medications, there are a range of treatment options for all forms of acne. With the help of one of our board-certified dermatologists, you can achieve a clear, beautiful complexion in no-time.

Contact Charleston Dermatology today to schedule your skin consultation and finally get rid of that troublesome acne!