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Inflammation of the oil-producing sebaceous glands is one of the key underlying factors for acne. Most often, acne occurs in the areas of the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and the chest area where there is a high concentration of sebaceous follicles. Acne is the most common skin problem in teenagers, pre-puberty age and affects up to forty million people. Most people identify acne with adolescence however numerous adults experience continued blemishes into adulthood. Approximately 90% of all adolescents and 25% of all adults experience acne at some point in their lives. It's one of the most extensive medical conditions in the world, and is responsible for about 30% of all visits to the dermatologists. Young men and women get acne in equal numbers. Younger males are more prone to severe, longer-lasting forms of the skin condition. Many women suffer from "hormonal acne" — their outbreaks are tied to the hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycle. While hormonal acne typically starts between the ages of 20-25, it can strike teenagers as well. Hormonal acne is sometimes persistent in women in their 30s.

The newest treatment which has recently been approved by the FDA in the treatment of acne is the Candela SmoothBeam laser. This particular laser selectively targets the oil glands in the dermis which results in a decreased function of the oil glands which in turn leads to less oil production and improvement in the acne.