zits

Facial eruptions, informally

Zits is the plural of zit, an informal word for a pimple—a small inflamed spot on the skin, typically on the face.

The term is casual and common among younger speakers: I broke out in zits right before prom.

Zit carries slightly more teenage connotation than pimple.

acne

pimple

Inflamed skin bump

pustulePus-filled skin lesion
whiteheadClogged pore forming bump
blackheadPlugged pore with oxidized sebum

comedo · papule · cyst · nodule · breakout · sebum · pores · oiliness · hormonal · clogged

symptoms

redness

Crimson-hued state

swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
tendernessGentle, caring quality
sorenessTender, painful sensation

pus · inflammation · pain · itching · irritation · bump · raised · angry · throbbing · sensitive

adolescence

puberty

Sexual development stage

teenagerPerson aged thirteen-nineteen
hormonesBloodstream signaling molecules
self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself

awkwardness · insecurity · coming-of-age · teenage · adolescent · locker-room · identity · embarrassment · confidence

treatment

retinoid

Vitamin A-related compound

cleanserSubstance for removing grime
niacinamideB3 vitamin variant
exfoliationShedding surface skin cells

extraction · popping · concealer · patch · sulfur · antibacterial · dermatologist · prescription · topical · over-the-counter

Categories

grossvomit, pus, poop, boogers, snot
acneacne, pimple, pimples, blackhead, blackheads
breakoutsoutbreak, jailbreak, prison break, acne, pimples
adolescencepuberty, teenager, coming-of-age, growing up, teen
gross-out comedyfart joke, poop joke, poop jokes, pee jokes, diarrhea joke

Opposites

skin condition/complexion

Blemish-free facial surface

smooth skin · porcelain skin · blemish-free · glowing skin · dewy skin

skin feature type

Pigmented skin spots

beauty marks · moles · dimples · birthmarks

Family

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G