Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to permanent scarring, which can be upsetting for people who suffer from the disorder. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but health care professionals believe it results from several related factors, including rising hormone levels, heredity, genetics, nutrition and stress. People of all ages get acne, but it is most common in adolescents. Nearly 85% of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties; however some people in their forties and fifties continue to have the disorder.

Since there may be other scientific evidence that is not reported in the major U.S. biomedical databases, this list of treatments cannot be considered comprehensive.