Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of individuals everyday. Acne does have a clinical term, which is Acne Vulgaris, but is usually referred to only as acne. There are a few variations acne, but the basic acne definition which applies to all forms is fairly simple. Acne is characterized by inflammation on the skins surface in the form of cysts, pustules, nodules, papules, pimples, blackheads, and/or white heads. Acne is caused by excess oil in the skin, the fluctuation of hormones, along with inflammation and bacteria. The epidemic of acne transcends cultural, age, and gender boundaries. Therefore, understanding exactly what acne is and how it forms is essential for everyone.

Many use the term pimple synonymously with the term acne. This is not completely correct; a pimple is a small swelling in the skin that is actually caused by acne. Pimples usually appear as small red or small flesh-colored bumps. Acne is a much more serious condition. If not treated properly it can cause swelling. Below is the explanation of how different forms of acne develop.

When oil from the sebaceous (or oil generating) glands become blocked, bacteria will begin to grow under the skin. This causes the follicle or pore to become blocked as well and this is when acne forms on the skins surface. A whitehead will form when the trapped oil and bacteria remain below the skins surface. On the other hand, when the trapped oil and bacteria become partially exposed on the skins surface, the melanin, or pigment, turns the bump black.

Acne can vary in severity. Some people suffer from pimples more so than acne. Pimples are less likely to cause scarring than acne and, thus, acne poses more of a problem for people. Acne in the form of blackheads can be more serious than acne in the form of white heads. The oil and bacteria that causes the blackhead takes longer to surface; as a result the acne can persist for a long period of time. When a whitehead develops, the cause of the acne (oil and bacteria), are more accessiblethis is why it is so easy to pop a whitehead and so difficult to pop a blackhead. Although this is true, it is not recommended for anyone to pop either form of acne.