These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Shelley, age 24: I know that it's normal to still have acne in your 20s, but it really bothers me that I still have so many pimples. I feel like people don't take me seriously because of my skin (though maybe that's all in my head). I'm considering a different job that would involve a lot more work with the public, and I think that my pimples will bother me even more then. I'm going to ask my doctor what I can try.

Alfonso, age 27: Even though I have quite a few pimples and blackheads, none of them are very serious. My acne is more annoying than anything else. I feel like I should have outgrown it by now, but it's still there. If I use my benzoyl peroxide faithfully, I can keep it under control, but sometimes I forget. All in all, I guess it doesn't bother me enough to see a doctor about it.

Tim, age 14: My mom says that everyone gets zits and that I'm the only one who notices my skin. But I know that's not true. Sometimes the kids at school tease me about my pimples, and I really don't even like to go to school when my face is really broken out. I hate the way I look. So I got my mom to say "okay" about asking the doctor what I can do about it.

Janet, age 15: I am not all that bothered by my acne yet. I do what I can to keep it under control and just try to forget it's there. A lot of kids my age have zits. I think if I don't notice it, maybe other people won't notice it either.