There’s not always a clear-cut cause for acne. From lifestyle habits and environmental stressors to hormonal disorders and genetics, one (or more!) factors could be triggering your breakouts, says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. But certain characteristics, like the location and type of your pimples, can be key when it comes to nixing your zits.
Match your acne pattern, blemish type, and pimple count to one of the options below, then read on to see what could be causing your issues, whether or not you need to see a doctor, and what prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) products may help keep breakouts at bay.