Acne Basics

Even though you may feel isolated when you've got acne, you're not alone. Actually, of all skin problems, acne is one of the most common. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds, showing up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and, in some people, deep painful bumps. Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck. If left untreated (or if you pick or squeeze), acne can leave scars that last into adulthood. But it's not just the physical aspect of acne that can have a lasting impact. Acne can make you feel paranoid, self-conscious, unattractive and shy. Read more about the emotional symptoms of acne.

From the time a zit begins to form under the skin until its disappearance, the life cycle of a pimple can take 8 to 12 weeks to run its course. And it can take even longer for the darkened spots left by some blemishes to fade completely. Watch an animation on the slow but steady growth of an acne blemish.

Fight Back

The goal of acne therapy is to help get rid of the lesions that are present. Topical retinoids, like Differin^®, are the only class of drugs proven to not only treat those lesions that are present but also prevent the formation of new lesions. Differin^® helps to prevent the pores from becoming clogged in the first place. Sometimes antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide may be prescribed to help control the bacteria that may be growing inside your pores. During the first few weeks of treatment, itching, dryness, redness, burning or peeling may occur. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of Differin^®. Use of sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. As with other acne medications, overexposure to extreme wind or cold, or use of irritating skin care products may aggravate the skin.

Find out more about surviving acne. Learn to separate the myths from the facts.