acne / pimples

[herbivorie]

Which word is more commonly used in daily conversation, "acne" or "pimples"?
(for example, when teenagers talk about their skin conditions with their friends.)
Thank you.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Which word is more commonly used in daily conversation, "acne" or "pimples"?
(for example, when teenagers talk about their skin conditions with their friends.)
Thank you.

I have no idea. Both words are quite common. "Zit/s" is also a commonly used word in AmE.

 

[Tdol]

To me, acne is more serious than pimples.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Acne" is a recognised medical condition. It is far worse than just having spots/zits/pimples.

 

[Barb_D]

I am spending more time around teenagers these days. Definitely "zits." ("Spots" is British and not used here.)

 

[Raymott]

"Acne" is a recognised medical condition. It is far worse than just having spots/zits/pimples.

"Acne" is indeed a recognised medical condition, but it can be mild - in which case, it's just a pile of pimples.
"Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence, affecting an estimated 70-90% of teenagers"
Acne vulgaris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It's true that most people with a few zits occasionally would not consider that they have acne, but the above statement of the incidence suggests that they do. Severe acne can cause cysts and persistent scars, which is not associated with less severe cases.