10 Celebrities That Struggle With Acne

Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
Acne doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and even some of the most famous faces in the world. While celebrities often appear flawless on screen and in magazines, many have openly shared their struggles with acne, proving that even Hollywood’s biggest stars deal with breakouts, skin sensitivity, and ongoing skincare challenges. Despite access to top dermatologists and treatments, acne remains a common issue that affects confidence, self-image, and overall skin health, regardless of fame or fortune. Thankfully great acne treatment is available to all.
In this post, we’ll highlight 10 celebrities who have struggled with acne, sharing their experiences and how they’ve managed their skin concerns over the years. Their stories serve as a reminder that acne is normal, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of—even for those in the spotlight.
Real-Wold Celebrity Acne Issues
Acne affects individuals from all walks of life, including many well-known celebrities who have openly shared their struggles. Here are 10 celebrities who have candidly discussed their experiences with acne:
- Kendall Jenner
The model and reality TV star has been open about her battle with acne since her teenage years. She faced public scrutiny when she appeared at the 2018 Golden Globes with visible breakouts but responded by encouraging others to not let acne hinder their confidence. - Lili Reinhart
The "Riverdale" actress has shared her experiences with cystic acne, promoting skin positivity and encouraging others to embrace their natural skin. She has been vocal about the challenges of dealing with breakouts in the public eye. - Selena Gomez
The singer and actress has posted makeup-free selfies showcasing her acne, emphasizing the normalcy of skin imperfections and promoting self-acceptance. She has discussed how factors like stress and her busy schedule can impact her skin. - Keke Palmer
The actress and singer has been candid about her struggles with acne, which she later discovered were related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By sharing her story, she has raised awareness about the connection between hormonal health and skin issues. - Emma Stone
The Academy Award-winning actress has spoken about her experiences with acne and how it affected her self-esteem, even during her rise to fame. She has shared her journey with various treatments to manage her skin. - Justin Bieber
The pop star has shared unfiltered photos of his acne, normalizing skin imperfections and encouraging fans to embrace their natural appearance. He has discussed the impact of acne on his self-confidence and the importance of self-acceptance. - Bella Thorne
The actress and singer has been open about her battle with cystic acne, sharing her experiences and treatments on social media to help others facing similar challenges. She has highlighted the emotional toll of acne and the importance of finding effective treatments. - Dua Lipa
The singer has shared her skincare struggles, including dealing with acne, and has been transparent about her skincare routine to manage breakouts. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and finding products that work for her skin. - Chrissy Teigen
The model and author has posted candid photos of her acne, discussing her skin issues openly and promoting a realistic portrayal of beauty standards. She has shared her experiences with various treatments and the importance of patience in finding solutions. - Lucy Hale
The "Pretty Little Liars" actress has been vocal about her struggles with hormonal acne and the impact it has had on her self-esteem. She has shared her journey with different skincare routines and the importance of addressing internal factors affecting skin health.
These celebrities' openness about their acne struggles helps to destigmatize skin imperfections and reminds us that acne is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their status or success.

Effective Solutions for Celebrities with Acne
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we have extensive experience treating a diverse clientele, including celebrities who trust us to manage their acne effectively. The treatments we offer are designed to deliver exceptional results for all our patients, regardless of their public profile.
Comprehensive Acne Treatment Approach
Our approach to acne treatment is multifaceted, combining lifestyle modifications, personalized skincare regimens, prescription medications, and advanced in-office procedures. This comprehensive strategy ensures that we address the root causes of acne and provide long-lasting solutions.
Advanced In-Office Procedures
We offer a range of cutting-edge treatments to combat acne:
- Clarifying Hydrafacial Acne Treatment – This procedure provides deep cleansing and exfoliation, effectively removing impurities and reducing breakouts.
- FDA-Cleared Acne Lasers – Our state-of-the-art laser treatments target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, promoting clearer skin.
- Chemical Peels – Tailored to your skin type, our chemical peels exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and diminish acne scars, revealing a smoother complexion.
Personalized Skincare and Prescriptions
Dr. Arash Akhavan, our board-certified dermatologist, collaborates with our expert aestheticians to develop customized skincare plans. These plans may include over-the-counter products and nutraceuticals that complement our in-office treatments. When necessary, we prescribe topical or oral medications to address specific acne concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to your skin health.
By utilizing the same effective treatments trusted by celebrities, we aim to help all our patients achieve clear, healthy skin and renewed confidence.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Acne Treatment, Medical Dermatology