: 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
Examples of acne in a Sentence
a teenager with bad acne
Recent Examples on the Web
Turmeric has also been added to topical acne treatments, but little evidence supports that use.
—
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Bottom line While benzoyl peroxide remains an effective acne treatment, its potential to form benzene raises concerns.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
More on cystic acne: Cystic acne can cause pain, shame and lasting scars.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Less of a freckle pen and more of an eyeliner doubling as a beauty mark maker—e.l.f.’s waterproof eyeliner pen will not only give you a slick cat eye that lasts but also masquerades any unwanted acne spots underneath a faux beauty mark.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acne
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Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
Bottom line While benzoyl peroxide remains an effective acne treatment, its potential to form benzene raises concerns.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
More on cystic acne: Cystic acne can cause pain, shame and lasting scars.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Less of a freckle pen and more of an eyeliner doubling as a beauty mark maker—e.l.f.’s waterproof eyeliner pen will not only give you a slick cat eye that lasts but also masquerades any unwanted acne spots underneath a faux beauty mark.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acne
Cite this Entry
“Acne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acne. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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