ACNE FACT SHEET

Acne is one of the most common skin problems.
Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks during puberty.
Every pimple starts out as a minizit, which is a combination of skin oils and cells that get plugged.
A plugged pore is known as a comedone.
A whitehead is a comedone that is covered with skin and contains deep, impacted debris under the skin.
If a comedone is open to the air, it becomes oxidized and turns dark in color, creating a blackhead.
Acne shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and in some people, cysts that are deep painful bumps that look and feel like boils.
Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.
The life cycle of a pimple can take 8 to 12 weeks to run its course.
Squeezing, picking or pinching acne pimple can contribute to infection, inflammation and scarring.

Undoing Misconceptions

Chocolate, greasy food and caffeine don’t lead to acne.
Acne is not caused by dire or by uncleanliness.
Washing too often or too vigorously or using harsh or drying soaps or cleansers will not make acne better and can actually irritate the skin, causing acne to worsen.
There is no overnight cure for acne.

For those suffering from mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne, recent guidelines suggest that topical retinoids should be used as first-line therapy alone or in combination with oral or topical antibiotics.¹
Topical retinoids help shed the plugs and can help prevent the formulation of new blemishes.
The use of mild topical retinoids is a good choice for patients with dark skin as it reduces the risk of discoloration.¹
For those with more severe acne, an oral antibiotic is typically prescribed, many times in combination with a topical retinoid.
While a dermatologist will have a better understanding of what type of acne treatment will be best suited for your skin type, any physician can prescribe treatment.
Acne medications should be used regularly and consistently even when skin clears to help prevent the formation of new pimples.

A dermatologist can develop a treatment regimen that’s appropriate for an individual’s skin type and acne.
To learn more about acne and treatment, visit www.differin.com, which includes an option to find a dermatologist in your local area. You may also call 1-888-222-7007.

1. Golnick, H, Cunliffe, W et al. Management of Acne, Supplement to the JAAD 2003; 49:S5-S9.