How to Talk About Acne: Key Terms to Know
Updated on May 15, 2025
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Acne occurs when an excess of sebum (oil that keeps your skin moist) traps dirt, dead skin, and other debris in pores and hair follicles. This can lead to skin lesions, otherwise known as pimples, on areas like the face, chest, or back.
Acne doesn’t discriminate based on age, meaning people may develop the condition well past their teen years.
If you or your child has acne, talk to a dermatologist to figure out the right treatment. Knowing relevant terms and phrases about acne will help make that discussion productive — and help get rid of those pimples as quickly as possible.
Types of Acne
You’re likely to encounter at least some of these words as you talk with a dermatologist or look up “acne” online.
Acne Conglobata A rare and severe type of acne, often associated with scarring. It causes deep, inflamed bumps or nodules connected to each other beneath the skin’s surface. It can occur on the face, shoulders, chest, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs.
Acne Mechanica This type of acne occurs when sports equipment or synthetic clothing rubs against the skin, trapping heat and sweat. Small bumps that are nearly invisible but rough to the touch can progress to acne and deep acne cysts.
Acne Vulgaris The medical term for common acne. This acne includes one of more of the following: blackheads, whiteheads, papules (small pimples that don’t contain pus), and pustules (pus-filled pimples).
Bacne Bacne combines “back” and “acne” as a colloquial way to describe acne on the back.
Cystic Acne A type of acne characterized by deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules that can lead to scarring.
Hormonal Acne A type of acne that develops due to hormone fluctuations or imbalances that may occur in teenagers or adults. Women are prone to experiencing it during pregnancy or menopause.
Maskne Maskne (“mask” plus “acne”) refers to acne caused by wearing a face mask regularly. The term originated during the COVID pandemic.
Nodulocystic (Nodular) Acne A severe form of acne involving numerous, deep, inflamed bumps (nodules) and large, pus-filled lesions (cysts). The nodules may be tender but firm to the touch; cysts can also be tender but often feel soft due to pus. This type of acne may cause scarring.
Papulopustular A type of acne that includes papules and pustules.
Steroid Acne A type of acne that occurs as a side effect of using corticosteroid drugs for too long. Limiting corticosteroid medication duration can help prevent this complication.
Pimple Types and Terms
Blackhead A noninflammatory pimple that occurs when a hair follicle fills with excess oil and dead skin cells. Exposure to air causes the opening of the follicle to oxidize, turning it black. Active bacteria does not appear in this type of pimple, which is also known as an “open comedo.”
Blind Pimples Blind pimples are tender pimples you can feel beneath your skin but not see. They form in the deeper layers of your skin.
Closed Comedo (Plural: Comedones) Also known as a whitehead, a closed comedo is a noninflammatory (nonbacterial) type of pimple. It forms when oils and skin cells clog a hair follicle, causing it to close. A thin layer of skin covers the opening, making the pimple appear white. There is no active bacteria in this type of pimple, though squeezing or popping it can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
Comedo (Plural: Comedones) A comedo is a noninflammatory (nonbacterial) type of pimple that occurs when oil and debris block a hair follicle. Whiteheads and blackheads fall into this category.
Inflammatory The description for a red, inflamed, tender, or pus-filled pimple.
Lesion An area of damaged or abnormal skin, such as a pimple. Medical literature, doctors, and others may refer to areas of acne as lesions.
Microcomedo A small, nonvisible plug that develops in a hair follicle in the early stage of comedo formation.
Noninflammatory An adjective referring to comedones (pimples) that are not associated with redness, discoloration, or swelling in the skin.
Open Comedo Also known as a blackhead, an open comedo (pimple) occurs when a hair follicle gets filled with excess oil and dead skin cells. Because the surface of the follicle remains open and exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black.
Papule A small, slightly elevated, red or otherwise discolored bump with a slightly excavated (caved-in) center. Papules occur when a pore becomes clogged with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Papules may fill with pus and develop a white or yellow center resulting in the formation of pustules.
Pimple The common term for inflamed bumps or lesions on the skin.
Pustule A pus-filled pimple that often has a yellow or white center.
Whitehead Similar to a blackhead, a whitehead is a noninflammatory pimple that forms when oil and skin cells block the opening of a hair follicle. A thin layer of skin covers the top of whiteheads, making them appear white or light-toned on its surface.
Zit A slang term for a pimple.
Acne Causes
Androgens A group of sex hormones with several functions in the body, such as triggering puberty. In some people, androgens can lead to unwanted effects, including male pattern baldness, prostate cancer, and acne. A dermatologist may recommend anti-androgen therapy for acne when conventional treatments fail.
Comedogenic A reference to the acne-causing effect of any skin product or its ingredients that can clog pores and result in blackheads or whiteheads. Products and ingredients that are unlikely to clog pores and cause pimples are noncomedogenic.
Cutibacterium Acnes (C. acnes) A type of bacteria found at the base of hair follicles that’s involved in the formation of acne (which was formerly known as P. acnes).
Multifactorial A reference to the multiple factors that lead to acne, such as bacteria, oil, stress, and excessive dead skin.
Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acnes) The former name of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a bacteria on the skin surface that contributes to acne.
Sebum An oily secretion from the sebaceous gland that helps preserve the flexibility of the hair and skin. It can cause acne if it is produced in excess amounts or if it traps dirt and other debris in pores.
Acne Treatments
Accutane (isotretinoin) Doctors often prescribe this medication for severe acne if other drugs are not working. Isotretinoin helps prevent clogged pores by decreasing activity of the oil glands, which in turn reduces acne-causing bacteria and related inflammation. Anyone who is pregnant should not take the medication due to the potential of birth defects.
Antibiotics Antibiotics refers to a large group of drugs that target bacterial infections in the body. Certain oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, help get rid of bacteria that contributes to acne.
Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid can be an effective topical (applied directly to the skin) treatment for mild to moderate acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide An antibacterial ingredient used in many topical acne products to unclog pores.
Chemical Peels Chemical peels involve applying salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid to the skin to exfoliate (remove) the top layers and promote healthy skin growth. Though chemical peels can be effective in improving skin’s appearance, dermatologists don’t recommend it for everyone, because of the possibility of negative reactions, especially in people with sensitive or darker skin.
Cortisone Injection An shot of cortisone (a synthetic hormone) directly into an acne cyst or nodule helps bring down severe inflammation.
Dermabrasion A form of acne treatment that uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the outer layer of skin to promote the growth of smoother skin. Dermatologists use dermabrasion to get rid of nearly flat (not too deep) acne scars.
Exfoliation The process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin. There are two types: mechanical (with a tool) and chemical. You should consider seeing a dermatologist for exfoliation due to the risk of harm to the skin if done incorrectly.
Isotretinoin (see Accutane)
Laser Therapy An acne treatment that uses a concentrated beam of light. Though studies show promise, some researchers raise concerns over long-term effectiveness.
Microdermabrasion A procedure that uses a minimally abrasive instrument to gently remove the thicker, uneven outer layer of dead skin cells. It may be used to reduce acne scarring.
Oral Contraceptives Oral contraceptives can help reduce production of hormones called androgens that stimulate skin to produce sebum (oil), which contributes to acne.
Retinoids Prescription medications that can penetrate the skin to help unclog pores and speed cellular turnover. Retinoids can also help fade acne scars. Over-the-counter versions are called retinols.
Salicylic Acid A common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Salicylic acid helps gently exfoliate the upper layers of the skin and can break down the excess oil and dead skin cells within hair follicles.
Sulfur A common ingredient in prescription and over-the-counter acne products that may help skin dry and peel as well as slow bacterial growth. However, evidence does not strongly support its use for acne.
Systemic Treatment This term refers to any treatment, such as antibiotics or birth control pills, that circulates through your body. A dermatologist may prescribe a systemic treatment for moderate to severe acne.
Topical Treatment Topical treatment refers to any therapy applied directly to skin, such as creams, gels, or lotions. “Topicals” may contain medications, like benzoyl peroxide, or vitamins, such as retinol.
Skin Basics
Dermis A thick layer of skin found below the outermost layer, known as the epidermis. It contains connective tissue, blood vessels, oil, sweat glands, nerves, and hair follicles.
Epidermis The outermost layer of skin.
Follicle (or Hair Follicle) A small opening in the skin where hair grows and oil (sebum) is excreted. Follicles start in the dermis and connect to the surface of the skin. Blockage of a hair follicle is an early step in the formation of all types of acne.
Melanin A natural pigment that gives hair and skin its color.
Pilosebaceous Unit The combination of a hair follicle and the attached sebaceous (oil) gland.
Pore The small openings on the skin surface, where hair follicles open. Clogged pores cause acne.
Sebaceous Glands Glands in the deeper layers of the skin producing oil that lubricates hair follicles.
Related Conditions
Excoriation Disorder A mental health disorder in which people have an uncontrollable desire to pick, scratch, or rub at healthy skin or lesions, such as pimples. Specialists often treat it with medication and therapy.
Milia Tiny, hard cysts that form when keratin, a type of protein found in surface skin cells, gets trapped under the outer layer of skin. Milia bumps look like whiteheads, but they are not acne. They do not develop in a pore and do not become inflamed.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation A darkened area of skin that occurs at the location of an inflamed pimple. Part of the skin’s natural response to inflammation is to deposit melanin (pigment) into the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often occurs in people with darker skin tones.
Pseudocyst A pocket of fluid that forms under the skin that can develop after long-term irritation or repeated injury to the area.
Seborrhoea A common skin condition associated with excessive oil production and inflammation. Seborrhoea often affects areas of skin with a lot of sebaceous glands, such as the chest, scalp, back, and face.
The Takeaway
- Acne is a common skin condition that often occurs during your teenage years, but can continue into adulthood.
- Acne can be associated with different types of pimples, such as open and closed comodones (blackheads and whiteheads). Papules and pustules are other terms for different kinds of pimples.
- Treatments for acne can include medications like antibiotics (doxycycline) and retinoids.
Additional reporting by Jenna Fletcher.
Resources We Trust
- Mayo Clinic: Acne
- Cleveland Clinic: Acne
- Harvard Health Publishing: Adult Acne: Understanding Underlying Causes and Banishing Breakouts
- StatPearls: Acne Vulgaris
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne: Tips for Managing
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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- Hafsi W et al. Acne Conglobata. StatPearls. June 2023.
- Acne. Cleveland Clinic. January 2023.
- Back Acne. Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.
- Hormonal Acne. Cleveland Clinic. September 2021.
- Bansal H et al. Maskne: A side Effect of Wearing Face Mask and Face Mask–Wearing Attitudes and Behavior During 1st, 2nd and 3rd Waves of COVID-19 in Rural Population of Haryana. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. October 2022.
- Nodular Acne. Cleveland Clinic. May 2022.
- Acne Papules. Cleveland Clinic. May 2022.
- Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids. Mayo Clinic. December 2022.
- Blackheads. Cleveland Clinic. November 2021.
- Blind Pimple. Cleveland Clinic. May 2022.
- Closed Comedo. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Whiteheads. Cleveland Clinic. November 2021.
- Sutaria AH et al. Acne Vulgaris. StatPearls. August 2023.
- Inflammatory Acne. Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.
- Xie L et al. The Role of Microcomedones in Acne: Moving from a Description to Treatment Target? JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. January 2024.
- Ogé L et al. Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2019.
- Acne. MedlinePlus. October 2024.
- Androgens. Cleveland Clinic. December 2024.
- Iftikhar U et al. Serum levels of androgens in acne & their role in acne severity. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. January-February 2019.
- Kern D et al. What is Comedogenicity, and What ingredients Are Comedogenic? The American Acne Association. March 2025.
- Kern D et al. What Do “Comedogenic” and “Non-Comedogenic” Mean? The American Acne Association. September 2023.
- Mayslich C et al. Cutibacterium Acnes as an Opportunistic Pathogen: An Update of its Virulence-Associated Factors. Microorganisms. May 2021.
- What Are Complex or Multifactorial Disorders? MedlinePlus. May 2021.
- Dréno B et al. Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. June 2018.
- Isotretinoin capsules. Cleveland Clinic.
- Pile HD et al. Isotretinoin. StatPearls. May 2023.
- Acne. Mayo Clinic. July 2024.
- Layton AM et al. Real-World Case Studies Showing the Effective Use of Azelaic Acid in the Treatment, and During the Maintenance Phase, of Adult Female Acne Patients. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. February 2023.
- Castillo DE et al. Chemical Peels in the Treatment of Acne: Patient Selection and Perspectives. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. July 2018.
- Intralesional Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Individual Acne Vulgaris Lesions. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. June 2021.
- Dermabrasion. Mayo Clinic. October 2022.
- How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- Jean-Pierre P et al. Emerging Lasers and Light-Based Therapies in the Management of Acne: a Review. Lasers in Medical Science. September 2024.
- Microdermabrasion. Cleveland Clinic. July 2023.
- Dermis. Cleveland Clinic. February 2022.
- Epidermis. Cleveland Clinic. October 2021.
- Hair follicle. Cleveland Clinic. July 2022.
- Martel JL et al. Anatomy, Hair Follicle. StatPearls. June 2024.
- Sebaceous Glands. Cleveland Clinic. December 2022.
- Dermatillomania (Skin Picking). Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.
- Avila PPG et al. Milia. StatPearls. January 2023.
- Lawerence E et al. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. StatPearls. November 2024.
- Kern D. What Is an Acne Cyst? The American Acne Association. November 2023.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis. Mayo Clinic. July 2024.
Meet Our Experts
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.
Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.
Jessica Migala
Author
Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, Fitness, Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Self, VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).