Acne Glossary
AcneA skin condition caused by by the formation of a comedo. Physical and emotional side effects may develop from acne, including but not limited to scarring, redness, irritation and depression.
AcneTeen acne is spawned by the "awakening" of sebaceous glands during puberty. The glands are stimulated by Androgens and the oil stirs up bacteria (which lives in everyon'es skin).
AcneAdult Acne and Teen Acne are similarin structure, but may vary in placement. Women tend to break out near the mouth, chin and jaw line and young adults tend to break out on the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks.
AcneMale hormones found in both females and males.
AcneAcne on the back.
AcneSlang for acne on the back.
AcneA chemical in the organic peroxide family, Benzoyl Peroxide is a common acne ingredient that kills P. Acnes.
BlackheadsOpen-comedo, open pores with a dark surface.
Blemish(es)Also known as breakouts. When acne is noticeable on the skin.
Body AcneAcne that appears on more body parts than the face. Common areas include neck, shoulders, back and buttox. Most OTC facial acne medications can also treat body acne.
Breakout(s)Also known as blemishes. When acne is noticeable on the skin.
ComedoWhen a follicle is clogged with dirt, tiny hairs, bacteria or other cells. There are two types - whitehads and blackheads.
Comedonal AcneNon-inflammatory acne.
CystAn abnormal membranous sac that contains white blood cells, dead cells and bacteria.
DermatitisSee Eczema.
EczemaA noncontagious inflammation of the skin cause by skin irritants and allergies. Characterized by blistering, scaling and itching. Lesion outbreaks may discharge serous matter.
EstrogenFemale hormones.
FolliculitisInflammation of a hair follicule.
HygieneThe practice of maintaining cleanliness and general health.
Inflammatory AcneWhen white heads or black heads are inflammed, types include papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
Keratosis PilarisPrimarily found on thights, upper arms and buttox, this condition resembles permanent goose bumps.
LesionA patch of skin affected by injury, infection or disease.
MaculeA red or discolored spot temporarily left from a healed lesion.
MiliaTiny white cycsts or small bumps appearing on the face. Common in newborns but can appear on adult skin.
NoduleA small, usually hard tissue mass in the body. Characterized by inflammation.
Nodulocycstic AcneWhen nodules and cysts occur together.
Non-inflammatory AcneWhite heads and black heads.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) MedicationsMedications and treatments that can be purchased and used without a prescription.
PapuleA small elevation of the skin that does not contain pus.
Perioral DermatitisPatches of itchy red spots around the mouth, typically occuring on the skin of young women.
PimpleSlang term for papule or pustule.
Pore(s)A tiny opening of the skin.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Discolored marks (red, brown, purple) left from acne are normal and are caused by the skin’s inflammatory process. Although they go away on their own, the process can take years. Active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid can help aid in decreasing the appearance of PIH.
Propionibacterium acne (P. Acne)Bacteria that causes the acne condition.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae.Also known as razor bumps.
PustuleA small elevation of the skin that contains pus, typically referred to as a pimple or zit.
Rosacea (aka Acne Rosacea)A chronic dermatitis of the face, nose and cheeks. The acnelike pimples are caused by dialated capillaries characterized by a red or rosy coloration.
Salicylic AcidDerived from a plant, Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is used in many health care products. For acne, Salicyclic Acid helps skin shed more evenly, preventing pores from clogging and lessening the likelihood of getting the acne condition.
ScarringCollagen within the skin is damaged from inflamation and permantently changes the skin's texture.
Sebaceous GlandsThey produce oil and become alive during puberty.
SebumAlso knows as oil.
Textural ChangesSee Scarring.
WhiteheadsClosed-comedo, clogged pores that have no opening.
ZitSlang term for papule or pustule.
Types of Acne
Acne Causes
Acne Active Ingredients
FAQ's & Common Myths
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