Acne (formally known as acne vulgaris) is caused when your pores become clogged with sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and bacteria. There are many factors that can influence or potentially worsen acne breakouts. Examples of these include stress, humid weather conditions, air pollution, improper skincare practices (like picking at pimples), hormonal changes, and certain oily, greasy cosmetics.

Genetics may also play a role in acne breakouts. In other words, if a family member has struggled with acne blemishes, you may have a higher chance of developing them. Lastly, some research suggests a possible link between acne and some dairy products.^1,2 However, the debate amongst researchers when it comes to the relationship between acne and diet is still ongoing.

Contrary to what some people believe, acne is not solely a teenage skin condition. Although you may be more likely to experience acne blemishes during puberty, acne can occur at any age. This common skin issue can affect anyone, regardless of your gender, age, or ethnicity. It affects approximately 9.4% of the global population, according to research, and is the most common skin condition in the United States.^3,4 

When caring for acne-prone skin, it’s important to have a dermatologist assess your skin and identify the type of acne you’re experiencing. The main types of acne, according to the Cleveland Clinic, are: blackheads, whiteheads, pimples (pustules), papules, nodules, and cysts.⁵ 
    

Comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) is considered a mild form of acne that can occur when your pores become clogged with oil, bacteria, or dead skin cells. This causes the pore to bulge, creating the appearance of dark-colored (blackheads) or light-colored (whiteheads) bumps on the skin.

If a clog becomes increasingly inflamed, it may lead to other types of acne, such as papules or pustules. Acne papules tend to appear as small, red bumps on the skin, whereas acne pustules are characterized by red bumps that are filled with pus. Nodules and cysts are lumps under the skin that can be red and painful and typically require the help of a dermatologist to treat.

Having acne-prone skin can be frustrating, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. In fact, most people experience acne at some point in their lives. Fortunately, acne can usually be managed at home with the right skincare routine and targeted acne treatments. We recommend a daytime and nighttime regimen that includes skincare essentials like an acne face wash, sunscreen, lightweight moisturizer, and a topical acne gel with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or salicylic acid (SA). 

However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s acne is unique, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. A board-certified dermatologist can help you build the right routine for your acne-prone skin and recommend the best acne products to help you restore the appearance of clear, healthy-looking skin.

One of the most common acne myths is that those with acne-prone skin should avoid using moisturizer. In truth, moisturizer is an essential part of any skincare routine for acne-prone skin. But in order to enjoy the benefits of a moisturizer, you’ll need to choose a product that’s suitable for your skin. We recommend using a ceramide-containing, oil-free daytime and nighttime moisturizer duo that’s non-comedogenic and developed with dermatologists—like CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. With MVE Delivery Technology, these non-comedogenic moisturizers can help support your skin’s moisture levels all-day and all-night long, without clogging your pores. 

CeraVe offers a range of targeted solutions for acne-prone skin. This includes our Acne Control products with 2% salicylic acid. Products with salicylic acid (such as CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser and Acne Control Gel) can be helpful for improving the appearance of blackheads and visible pores. When used together as part of a daily regimen, our Acne Control products can help clear acne and help prevent new acne breakouts. 

You can also consider one of CeraVe’s benzoyl peroxide acne cleansers. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide makes an ideal cleanser option for clearing acne pimples, helping prevent new acne, and allowing the skin to heal. You can also find benzoyl peroxide in our Acne Foaming Cream Wash. This acne cleanser features maximum OTC strength 10% benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration available without a prescription.

And remember: Every routine for healthy-looking skin should include a few skincare basics: a gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen. For help building an acne skincare routine and finding the right products for your skin’s needs, visit CeraVe’s Skincare Solution Finder. If your skin’s appearance doesn’t improve with an at-home regimen, or your acne is painful and interferes with your daily activities, visit a dermatologist’s office.

The main active ingredient in CeraVe’s Acne Control products is salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) provides gentle exfoliation and is great for helping improve the appearance of enlarged pores and comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads). Our Acne Control range with 2% salicylic acid and three essential ceramides includes two core products: CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser and CeraVe Acne Control Gel. When used together as part of a consistent acne skincare routine, these products can help reduce blackheads, help prevent new breakouts, and also improve the look of pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popular acne-fighting ingredients used in pimple creams, acne cleansers, and other types of acne treatments. This ingredient works by minimizing an acne-causing bacteria known as P. acnes. CeraVe offers two benzoyl peroxide cleansers for acne-prone skin: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (with 4% benzoyl peroxide) and CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash (with 10% benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration available in non-prescription acne products). Benzoyl peroxide may cause skin irritation or dryness in some people, so it’s important to work with a board-certified dermatologist to identify the right formula for your skin’s needs.

Signs of acne blemishes can sometimes stick around long after the blemishes have healed. These reminders of past breakouts can show up in the form of uneven skin tone and post-acne marks (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is designed to help smooth your skin's texture, reduce the appearance of post-acne marks, and minimize the look of pores. This makes it a great facial serum for anyone looking to restore an even skin tone and promote a healthy-looking complexion.

1. Meixiong J, Ricco C, Vasavda C, Ho BK. “Diet and acne: A systematic review.” JAAD Int. 2022 Mar 29;7:95-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.012. PMID: 35373155; PMCID: PMC8971946.

2. Pappas A. “The relationship of diet and acne: A review.” Dermatoendocrinol. 2009 Sep;1(5):262-7. doi: 10.4161/derm.1.5.10192. PMID: 20808513; PMCID: PMC2836431.

3. Tan, J K L, and K Bhate. “A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne.” The British journal of dermatology vol. 172 Suppl 1 (2015): 3-12. doi:10.1111/bjd.13462.

4. “Skin Conditions by the Numbers.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2023.

5. “Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment and Prevention.” Cleveland Clinic, 2023.

*Source: IQVIA, ProVoice Survey, rolling 12 months ending March 31, 2023