Accutane: A popular drug used to treat severe acne. It is also known as isotretinoin.

acne: A common skin disease.

androgen: Amale sex hormone produced by both men and women.

bacteriophage: A virus that is deadly to bacteria but harmless to humans.

benzoyl peroxide: A topical treatment for acne.

collagen: A natural substance that helps the skin regenerate.

comedones: Acne lesions that appear in the form of whiteheads and blackheads.

cysts: Large, inflamed acne lesions occurring deep under the skin.

dermatologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin.

estrogen: A female sex hormone.

follicles: Tiny ducts in the skin where hair grows.

genome: All the genes in an organism.

heat-shock protein: Cellular protein that stimulates inflammation.

hormones: A variety of chemicals produced by the body to regulate different body functions.

ice-pick or pitted scars: Acne scars that are caused by tissue loss.

inflammation: Redness, swelling, and...