acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents

acned

ˈak-nēd 

adjective

an acned teenager

acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne

Recent Examples on the Web

The Signature Laser Facial helped even out my skin texture and get rid of pesky acne scarring from my teenage years. —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 31 Jan. 2026

Thankfully, topical prescription acne treatments are generally safe postpartum, including antimicrobial medications. —Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026

Red light supports collagen production and smooths fine lines; blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; green and yellow modes address dark spots and uneven tone; while purple and cyan modes help soothe redness for a balanced, refreshed complexion. —William Jones january 29, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

Still, demand for acne products is growing. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin acnē, acna, borrowed from Late Greek aknḗ "eruption on the face," manuscript variant of akmḗ, literally, "point" — more at acme

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acne

• acne rosacea
• anti-acne
• mask acne

Kids Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and marked by pimples especially on the face

Medical Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents : acne vulgaris

acned

-nēd 

adjective