Acne vulgaris (commonly known as acne) is a common skin condition, caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, via androgen stimulation. It is characterized by noninflammatory follicular papules or comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in its more severe forms. Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or simply acne.

Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence, affecting more than 89% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. The cause of acne in adolescence is generally an increase in male sex hormones, which people of both genders accrue during puberty.For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear-or at the very least decrease-after one reaches one's early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals will carry this condition well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

The face and neck are the most common affect areas, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. The upper arms may also have acne, but lesions found there are often keratosis pilaris, not acne. Typical acne lesions are comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules. Some of the large nodules were previously called "cysts" and the term nodulocystic has been referred to describe severe cases of acne.

Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem, confidence and, according to at least one study, depression or suicide. Acne usually appears during adolescence or teenage years, when teenagers tend to be prone to harsh social environments. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated by some to lessen the overall impact to individuals.

There are many remedies including steroids, anti-biotics and topical bactericidals, hormonal teratments, photo therapy and dermibrasions.

More and more people are testing and following natuaral holistic trens due to the often painful and long process of using chemical based treatments.