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

Davis went to school specializing in acne treatments for the face and quickly found that much of that knowledge translated well for healing scar tissue for trans people who have had facial feminization or chest masculinization surgery. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

Castor Oil Castor oil has skin benefits such as improving acne and inflammation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025

This CeraVe acne cleanser is best for acne-prone skin—a major concern for teens—and helps clear away pimples and blackheads. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 June 2025

Retinoids are skincare medications mainly used to help with acne and signs of aging. —Laura Schober, Health, 9 June 2025

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