Acne is a skin disease which occurs when the pilosebaceous unit of the body suffers a disorder. This unit is commonly known as the pore or hair follicle. Acne is the most common skin disorder which affects people in the United States of America. Another term which is used to refer to acne is acne vulgaris, and this skin disease causes chronic inflammations in the skin. The major characteristics of acne are the occurrence of zits, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. The parts which are mostly affected by acne are the neck, upper arms, chest, face, and the back. It is in very rare cases that acne occurs in other parts of the body. The severity of acne ranges from being highly severe to very mild.

It is usually in the teen or the pre teen years of people that acne occurs. Out of four teenagers it can be said that three teenagers have or will have acne. This skin disease is not limited to one gender only, and both genders have equal chances of contracting acne. But it can be said that as compared to teen girls, teen boys have acne which both lasts longer and is also more severe than the acne which teen girls suffer from.

But it is not only teens and preteens who get acne. Acne can also take place when people are in their adulthood. Other than adults, acne can also occur when people are in their childhood, or they are babies, or toddlers.
There are a number of reasons why acne occurs. Many factors come together and as a result an acne situation is developed. People with oily skin are more prone to acne.