In most cases, acne starts between the ages of twelve or thirteen and can last for five to ten years. But for some, acne can be persistant, well into their late twenties or thirties and even into the forties. Some people get acne for the first time as an adult never having it as a teen. Acne affects both young men and women, although the percentage of young men with acne is a little higher. Young men are more likely to have more severe, longer lasting forms of acne.
Young men are less likely to visit a dermatologist for their acne.
Some young women are more likely to have occasional acne flair-ups due to hormonal changes associated with their menstrual cycle and acne caused by using cosmetics. These kinds of acne may agonize young women well into their adulthood. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, but can also occur on the neck, shoulders, chest, scalp, back, arms and legs. A serious condition, scarring is imminent.