Acne is often treated as a normal part of adolescence, but there are situations when breakouts deserve professional attention. Deep, painful lumps beneath the skin—especially cysts and nodules—can be more serious than occasional pimples. These types of acne may take longer to heal and have a greater chance of leaving lasting marks or scars. When breakouts become painful, widespread, or difficult to control, seeing a dermatologist can help determine the appropriate treatment.

Age can also matter. Some adults develop acne even though they had little or none during their teenage years. This is often described as adult-onset acne. Others discover that the acne they experienced as teenagers never completely disappears or repeatedly returns throughout adulthood. This is commonly called persistent acne. Either situation can be frustrating, particularly when ordinary skincare products seem to make little difference. But there are several important signs that suggest it may be time to stop treating acne alone…