Acne is a common skin condition, which affects many people at some point in their lives. You may hear it called acne vulgaris. Acne causes spots on the skin, and can sometimes make skin oily, hot and painful to touch. ¹

It can affect different parts of the body, but is most common on the face, back and chest.¹

Acne can affect people of any age, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults.

About 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 have experienced some form of acne.² Between 20 to 35% develop moderate or severe acne.³ It is most common in:

• girls aged 14 to 17 ¹
• boys aged 16 to 19. ¹

Acne can come and go for several years before symptoms start to improve. This means that you may need to find ways to manage it.

Some young people will continue to have acne as they become adults. But for others their acne will disappear completely.

If you’re an adult and have acne, read our information about acne in adulthood.

There are many reasons why a person may get acne. In young people, changes in hormone levels during puberty can bring on the condition.¹ Acne is also known to run in families – your risk of getting acne is higher if your mother or father had acne.¹

The NHS website has more information about acne, including what causes it.

It’s normal for young people, especially during puberty, to have spots from time to time. If you sometimes have spotty or problem skin, you may be able to manage it well yourself. For example, your GP may suggest that you use a non-alkaline cleansing product. It also helps to avoid using oil-based products.⁴

If you have problematic skin most of the time, and it is affecting your life and how you feel about yourself, you may be able to have treatment.

Talk to a GP or pharmacist about your acne and how it’s making you feel. They will be able to talk you through the treatment options.

There are many treatments available to help people with acne manage their skin. Usually, your GP will prescribe a topical product for you. This is normally in the form of a cream or gel that you apply directly onto the skin.⁴You may also be given an oral medication which you swallow, either on its own or in combination with a topical treatment. ⁴

To start, your GP may suggest that you have treatment for 12 weeks.⁴

It’s important to try and stick with your treatment. Sometimes it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks before you notice any changes to your skin.⁴

After 12 weeks, your GP will assess how well your treatment has worked. They’ll also ask how you’re feeling and whether you’ve had any side effects.

Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist. They are health professionals who specialises in skin health. Seeing a dermatologist may be suitable if you have any of the following:

• severe acne
• scarring on your skin which is caused by your acne
• acne that is not improving even with treatment.

The NHS website has more information about acne, including information about treatments.

As with any medication, treatments for acne come with the risk of possible side effects. Each person, and their acne, is different. What affects one person, may not affect someone else.

Some side effects may be mild and easily managed, while others may be more serious.

Talk to your GP, or a pharmacist, about the possible side effects of your treatment. Reading the information leaflet that comes with your medication can give you a better understanding of their side effects too.

If you’re concerned about side effects, or think your treatment is causing side effects, tell your GP straight away.

There are some things which you can do yourself to help look after your skin. You can do this either with or without treatment from your GP.

• Use skin care products that are oil-free and non-alkaline.⁴
• If you wear make-up, make sure it’s all properly removed at the end of each day.⁴
• Try to not pick or scratch your skin, as this can cause permanent scarring.⁴

There is some evidence to suggest that certain foods in your diet can cause acne or make it worse. But the evidence is mixed, and some isn’t very strong, so it’s hard to know for sure if diet is linked to acne.⁴

If you think your acne may be linked to your diet, try keeping a food diary. This may help you notice any patterns between foods you eat and your skin.

Having acne can have a big impact on your life. It can affect how you feel about yourself, your confidence, and your relationships with others. It can also be painful and uncomfortable, which can be upsetting.

Talk to your GP if your acne is having an impact on your mental health. They may be able to refer you to support services in your area.

Remember, that many young people experience some form of acne. It’s very common. Although acne varies from person to person, in most cases, acne improves over time.