Acne is a common skin condition that includes blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads. It occurs when excess oil, dead skin, and impurities become trapped inside a pore and causes it to become inflamed. While acne can occur anywhere on the body—including the neck, back, and shoulders—it is most common on the face.

When skin produces excess sebum (or oil), pores may become clogged with dead skin and other impurities. These clogged pores can create blackheads or whiteheads or become red or swollen, resulting in an acne breakout.

Blackheads are a mild form of acne that consists of clogged pores. When a clogged pore stays open, the excess oil on the skin can oxidize which causes the dark color of blackheads.

Whiteheads, like blackheads, are also clogged pores. Unlike blackheads that are open and exposed to oxidation, whiteheads occur when a clogged pore closes up, causing a white bump to form on the skin’s surface.

Acne breakouts in younger skin tend to be more persistent and consistent. Persistent acne is often caused by excess oil production and may be concentrated in the t-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin). Adult acne may be more cyclical with less frequent breakouts that are often concentrated in the u-zone (the chin and cheeks). Learn more about an acne treatment product for cyclical acne.

Acne-prone skin benefits from specialized formulas to help clear blemishes and prevent future ones from forming that are made specifically for those with acne-prone skin. Acne skincare products need to provide essential functions like cleansing and moisturizing without clogging pores or causing breakouts. To care for acne-prone skin, cleanse daily with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Exfoliating skin with a facial scrub or other exfoliant is also an essential step to help prevent clogged pores which can cause acne. If you have persistent acne, look for formulas, like a toner for acne-prone skin, that can help reduce excess oil and are non-comedogenic—meaning that they won’t clog pores. Even though your skin may have excess oil, using a moisturizer is essential to maintain skin’s hydration levels and a daily sunscreen is a must to help defend skin from sun damage. Discover your ultimate skincare routine for acne-prone skin.

When you have an acne blemish or breakout, apply targeted acne treatment to the affected area to help clear skin. Look for acne treatment products with Salicylic Acid or Sulfur to help effectively target blemishes and help keep skin balanced and healthy-looking. Our skincare for acne prone skin range from detoxifying clay masks to our Salicylic Acid acne cream that moisturizes and helps control acne blemishes. Keep your skin clear and balanced with Kiehl’s line of acne prone skin care.

While acne is often associated with oily skin, all skin types—including normal, dry, sensitive, and combination—can experience blemishes and breakouts. Excess oil can contribute to acne but other causes like dead skin and cosmetics can also cause pores to become clogged which may lead to blemishes.

Acne marks, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are skin discolorations that follow an inflamed blemish. If blemishes are picked at or go untreated, they are at greater risk of creating an acne scar.

If acne marks are left behind after blemishes have cleared, they can persist for some time but may fade over time. Using an acne scar treatment, dark spot corrector, and/or other brightening skincare formulas can help fade acne marks over time for a more even skin tone.