•  Whiteheads and/or blackheads.

•  Red and painful pimples.

•  Deeper lumps (cysts or nodules).

•  Hormone changes during adolescence, before a female’s menstrual period, or during pregnancy.

•  Rich moisturizing lotions. Oily makeup.

•  Emotional stress.

•  Nutritional supplements that have iodine.

•  Medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids.

•  Illegal (anabolic) steroids. These are used for muscle-building.

•  A topical cream, gel, or liquid with retinoic acid (Retin-A). {Note: Retin-A makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

•  A topical cream, lotion, or wipe with an antibiotic, such as clindamycin.

•  A topical gel with dapsone. A brand name is AczoneTM Gel 5%.

•  An antibiotic pill, such as minocycline or tetracycline. {Note: These medicines can make birth control pills less effective and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.}

•  For some females, a certain birth control pill.

•  Isotretinoin. Brand names are Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis. This medicine is usually prescribed for severe acne. {Note: This medicine can have serious side effects. These include bone and fracture problems, severe birth defects, depression, psychosis, aggressive and/or violent behaviors, and suicide.}

•  Chemical peels.

•  Laser treatments.

•  Surgery for acne scarring.

•  Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your skin, where the acne appears, twice a day. Use a mild soap, such as Neutrogena. Use a clean washcloth every time. Work the soap into your skin gently for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse well. Don’t scrub.

•  Don’t squeeze, scratch, or poke at pimples. They can get infected and leave scars.

•  Wash after you exercise or sweat.

•  Use an over-the- counter lotion or cream that has benzoyl peroxide. (Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Try a little on your arm first to make sure it doesn’t hurt your skin.) Follow the directions as listed.

•  Use only oil-free and water-based makeups. Don’t use greasy or oil-based creams, lotions, or makeups.

•  For males, wrap a warm towel around your face before you shave. Shave along the natural grain of the beard.

•  Don’t spend too much time in the sun especially if you take antibiotics for acne. Don’t use sun lamps.