Acne and Pimples

Who’s afraid of a breakout? Not you! Get to know your skin’s worst enemy and show those pimples who’s boss

What causes acne and pimples?

Pimples can form when your skin makes too much oil. Pores get clogged with this excess build-up of oil and dead skin cells, which allows bacteria to breed, causing redness and swelling.

What’s the difference between a pimple and acne?

Some people get a pimple or two once in a while, while others get frequent breakouts with lots of pus-filled pimples. If the second sounds more like you, you may have acne – a chronic or long-term condition that affects many teens and adults. But don’t panic, there are many effective treatments that help keep acne under control.

What about bacne, also known as body or back acne?

If you have this, you’re not alone – it can affect many people! Like face acne, bacne can form when your pores get clogged by excess oil and dead skin cells, allowing bacteria to grow. Sometimes, wearing tight clothes and using heavy backpacks can irritate the skin and make bacne worse. You can treat it the same way you would treat acne on your face.

What foods cause acne? Do greasy food and chocolate make me break out?

No. But some refined carbs like white bread, pasta, chips and cornflakes might actually make breakouts worse if you already have them.

Will squeezing pimples make them go away?

Not exactly. Aside from possibly giving you scars, squeezing or popping pimples spreads bacteria, which can make your zits worse.

Then how do I get rid of acne or pimples?

Cleansers, creams and gels with salicylic acid should do the trick. The CLEAN & CLEAR® ADVANTAGE line has a range of pimple-fighting products.