Women are more likely to have adult acne. Fluctuating hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause play a role. But during the teen years, acne is more common in boys.

You are up to three times more likely to have acne if a close family member has the condition.

Your body makes more androgen during periods of stress. Androgen is a hormone that stimulates glands to make more oil, which clogs pores.

Certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and metabolic diseases, can cause acne.

Corticosteroids, hormone therapies, lithium and other medications can cause acne.

People who smoke are more likely to have pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Plus, acne breakouts are often more severe.

Your provider will look closely at the blemishes and where they appear on your body. They will ask about the onset of symptoms, including any treatments you’ve tried.

Your provider will ask about the medications and supplements you take, as well as your personal health history and family history.

Your provider may order blood tests to measure hormone levels and look for other conditions that can cause acne.

You may apply topical medications to your skin to help prevent and treat breakouts. Your provider may recommend topical antibiotics to ease inflammation. Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and azelaic acid can keep pores from clogging and unclog them. Clascoterone is a topical medicine that decreases oil production.

These oral medications circulate in your bloodstream. Your provider may prescribe oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, birth control pills and/or spironolactone.

Your provider may recommend an in-office treatment, such as steroid injections. They may also use a tool to remove blackheads and whiteheads, or to drain pus from a painful pimple.

Certain treatments can minimize scars or hyperpigmentation (spots of deeper-toned skin) caused by acne. Chemical peels, dermal abrasion, dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing can help. Some people with indented scars (pockmarks) may need a procedure called subcision. A provider uses a thin needle to break up fibrous strands that pull the skin downward, allowing the skin to lift naturally.

Use a gentle cleanser and warm water on acne-prone areas at least twice a day and after sweating. Regularly wash your hair and keep strands away from your face. Look for noncomedogenic products that don’t clog pores.

Oil and bacteria on your fingers transfer to your face every time you touch it. Try not to pick or squeeze pimples. Doing so can cause scarring or an infection.

Wear sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and clothing that protects your skin against damaging ultraviolet (UV) light that worsens acne. Say no to tanning beds, too.

Avoid cigarette smoke, which irritates skin and worsens acne. Talk to your provider about ways to stop smoking.