Global Acne Cases Increased From 1990 to 2023, Study Finds

A new study reports a significant rise in the global burden of acne from 1990 to 2023, with cases projected to increase further by 2050.

Introduction

Acne continues to be a major global skin health concern, with new research showing a substantial increase in its burden between 1990 and 2023. According to a study published online in JAMA Dermatology on October 14, 2026, the number of people affected by acne has increased over the past three decades, and the trend is expected to continue through 2050.

The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2023, highlights the widespread impact of acne vulgaris, a common inflammatory skin condition that affects people across different age groups. Although acne is not generally associated with mortality, it contributes significantly to the global burden of skin disease and can affect physical comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

The findings emphasize the importance of understanding acne trends, improving access to appropriate treatment, and recognizing the broader effects of this common skin condition.

Global Acne Statistics Show a Significant Increase

Researchers estimated that approximately 54.4 million people worldwide were living with acne in 2023. This represents a global prevalence rate of 674.1 cases per 100,000 people, according to the study's case definition.

The research also estimated 27.8 million new acne cases in 2023, equivalent to an incidence rate of 344.4 cases per 100,000 people.

The study found differences between females and males in the distribution of existing cases. Approximately 56% of prevalent cases occurred among females, while 44% occurred among males.

These figures demonstrate that acne remains a widespread health concern. However, the reported numbers represent population-level estimates and should not be interpreted as an individual's likelihood of developing acne.

Acne Burden Increased Between 1990 and 2023

One of the study's most important findings was the increase in age-standardized acne rates over the 33-year period.

According to the researchers, global age-standardized incidence rates increased by 67.3% between 1990 and 2023. Age-standardized prevalence rates rose by 63.6%, while disability-adjusted life year rates increased by 63.5%.

Age-standardization helps researchers compare health trends over time while accounting for differences in population age structures. This makes it easier to assess whether changes in disease rates extend beyond population growth and aging alone.

Although the study documented these increases, the reported trends do not, by themselves, establish why acne has become more burdensome. Further research is needed to understand the contributions of potential risk factors, healthcare access, diagnostic practices, and other influences.

How Acne Affects Global Skin Health

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Inflammation and the activity of acne-associated bacteria can contribute to the development of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper skin lesions.

Acne can range from mild breakouts to more severe inflammatory disease. In some cases, it can lead to persistent discoloration or permanent scarring.

Its impact can extend beyond visible skin symptoms. People experiencing acne may also face emotional distress, reduced self-confidence, or difficulties in social situations. The severity of these effects varies from person to person.

The study assessed the burden of acne using disability-adjusted life years, commonly known as DALYs. This measure combines years of healthy life lost because of disability with years lost due to premature death.

Because acne is not generally associated with increased mortality, its DALY burden primarily reflects health loss associated with living with the condition.

Researchers estimated that acne accounted for approximately 1.17 million DALYs worldwide in 2023, equivalent to 14.5 DALYs per 100,000 people.

The study also noted that the estimated global DALY burden of acne exceeded that reported for basal cell carcinoma and was of a similar order of magnitude to the burdens reported for squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and psoriasis. These comparisons concern population-level DALY estimates and do not imply that the conditions have equivalent severity, mortality risks, or treatment requirements.

Acne Cases Could Continue Rising Through 2050

The researchers used demographic projections and autoregressive integrated moving average modeling to estimate how the global burden of acne might change by 2050.

Their projections suggest that the world could experience approximately:

• 37.5 million new acne cases annually
• 77 million people living with acne
• 1.65 million acne-related DALYs

These estimates suggest that acne could remain an increasingly important public health concern over the coming decades.

However, forecasts are not guarantees. The researchers cautioned that long-term projections remain uncertain, even when expected demographic changes are incorporated into the models.

The estimates also do not fully account for uncertainty in the underlying Global Burden of Disease data or potential future changes in healthcare use, diagnostic practices, and disease recognition.

Consequently, the projected figures should be viewed as estimates of possible future trends rather than definitive predictions.

Why Acne Awareness and Treatment Matter

The growing global burden of acne highlights the importance of access to reliable information, appropriate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.

Treatment options depend on the type and severity of acne and may include topical medications, prescription treatments, and other therapies recommended by qualified healthcare professionals.

Early assessment can be particularly helpful for people experiencing painful lesions, persistent breakouts, or signs of scarring. A dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional can help identify suitable treatment options and assess whether another skin condition may be contributing to the symptoms.

It is also important to avoid harsh skin treatments or excessive cleansing in an attempt to eliminate acne quickly. Such approaches may irritate the skin and worsen discomfort.

People should seek individualized medical advice rather than relying solely on general statistics or online recommendations. Treatment decisions should account for factors such as age, pregnancy status where relevant, medical history, current medications, and acne severity.

What the Findings Mean for the Future

The increase in global acne rates from 1990 to 2023 highlights the need for continued research into the causes, consequences, and effective management of acne vulgaris.

Future studies may help clarify why reported acne rates have increased, identify populations with greater treatment needs, and improve understanding of the condition's long-term effects on quality of life.

Healthcare systems may also benefit from better access to dermatology services, public education about evidence-based treatments, and greater recognition of the psychological effects that acne can have on affected individuals.

The current findings provide a broad overview of global trends, but they do not establish the reasons behind the increase or determine how acne will affect any particular person.

Conclusion

A study published in JAMA Dermatology reports that the global burden of acne increased substantially between 1990 and 2023. Researchers estimated 54.4 million prevalent cases and 27.8 million new cases worldwide in 2023, with approximately 1.17 million DALYs attributed to the condition.

Projections suggest that annual new cases could reach 37.5 million by 2050, while the number of people living with acne could rise to 77 million.

Although these forecasts involve considerable uncertainty, the findings underline the importance of continued research, public awareness, and access to appropriate acne care. Understanding the scale of the condition can help support better health education and informed conversations about skin health.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is based on reported population-level research and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Statistical findings describe general trends and cannot predict an individual's health outcomes. Acne severity, causes, and treatment needs vary between individuals. Consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without appropriate professional guidance.

Source

Parraga P, Tang J, Barbieri JS. Global Burden of Acne Vulgaris From 1990-2023 and Forecasts to 2050. JAMA Dermatol. Published online October 14, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2026.3943