The facts

For some, acne can be a bit of hassle but for others it can be devastating.

The important thing to remember is that all types of acne can be well controlled by safe and effective treatment.

While we’ve certainly discovered a lot more about acne over the past few years and have developed effective ways of treating it, we still don’t know everything we’d like to know - like why some young people get more severe forms of acne and others don’t.


What’s most important when it comes to acne?
Talking to a doctor about treatment options, sooner rather than later.

Dermatologists are initially trained as doctors, undertaking six or more years of university study to gain their medical degrees. This is followed by several years of full-time practice and training in a teaching hospital as a junior hospital doctor. Application can then be made to enter a five-year training program in dermatology.

Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist for your acne.

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What is acne?

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne can appear as any of the following;

* congested pores,
* whiteheads,
* blackheads,
* pimples,
* pustules, or
* cysts (deep pimples).

These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.

You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter, that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician.

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Medical management

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used for inflammatory acne – pink lumps and bumps which may be small or in more serious cases, may appear as nodules or cysts.

Antibiotics have been used in acne management for decades, however there is a recent trend to use shorter courses, usually three to six months of treatment.

Antibiotics work by controlling the bacterial infection that contributes to acne. They also have an anti-inflammatory action, which can reduce the redness, swelling and pain.

Antibiotic gels and lotions are applied directly onto the skin (eg, Clindatec, Eryacne, Dalacin). Those currently used for the treatment of acne contain the active ingredients clindamycin or erythromycin.

They should be used sparingly on a cool, dry face to minimise irritation. Using topical antibiotics avoids any side effects that may occur with oral antibiotics, however they may take longer to become effective.

Antibiotic tablets/capsules include tetracycline (eg, Tetrex Achromycin), doxycycline (eg, Doxy, Doryx, Vibratabs) and minocycline (eg, Minomycin, Akamin). Bactrim is less commonly used by some doctors, as is erythromycin.

A number of different antibiotics are available and a doctor will recommend the most suitable product for you.

If one antibiotic does not improve your acne, your doctor may change you to a different one, which may be more effective.

A four to six week trial is usually needed to work out if a certain treatment will work well. These medications are usually helpful and only occasionally cause significant side effects.

Cleansing - sample product,Cetaphil by Galderma

It is often overlooked, but effective cleansing is the most important part of keeping mild acne under control.

Limit cleansing your face to
* In the morning - this ensures you remove the remainder of any overnight acne treatments. These treatments can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn, particularly if left on the skin during the day.
* In the evening - to remove sunscreen and make up residue. Even products said to be suitable for acne prone skin, if left on, can sometimes worsen acne by clogging and irritating pores.
* After hot, sweaty activities.

Topical antibiotics - sample product, T3 mycin by HOE Pharmaceuticals

Externally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stiemycin or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. Whilst topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective as oral, this method avoids possible side effects of stomach upset or drug interactions (e.g. it will not affect the oral contraceptive pill), but may prove awkward to apply over larger areas than just the face alone.

Topical Bactericidals - sample product, Benzac AC 5 by Galderma

Widely available OTC bactericidal products containing Benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region and primarily prevents new lesions by killing P.acnes. Unlike antibiotics, Benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidiser (essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate resistance. However, it routinely causes dryness, local irritation and redness. A sensible regimen may include the daily use of low-concentration (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide preparations, combined with suitable non-comedogenic moisturisers to help avoid overdrying the skin.

Care must be taken when using Benzoyl peroxide, as it can very easily bleach any fabric or hair it comes in contact with.Other antibacterials that have been used include triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate but these are often less effective.

*For Malaysian Citizen,visit your local doctor/pharmacy or email me at mixterr_gilerr[at]yahoo.com for details info about the product.

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Advice for treating severe acne

If severe acne is concerning you, you need to take these necessary and important steps:

Step 1
Get a referral from your GP for a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Step 2
Visit a dermatologist. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. If you think of a question after the visit, ring back their office.

Step 3
You may be prescribed antibiotics or isotretinoin.

Step 4
It is important that if you are prescribed antibiotics or isotretinoin that you follow the dermatologist’s instructions completely.

If you have severe acne, you should still follow a skin care routine of cleanse, treat and protect.

If you are prescribed isotretinoin in the first few weeks your skin will become much drier than before. To help protect your skin, try and keep your showers shorter than two minutes and use lukewarm water rather than hot.

Using a moisturiser on your face regularly will help keep the dryness under control. The best type of moisturiser is an oil-free face moisturiser for sensitive skin.

Men with severe acne who shave should try both an electric and safety razor to see which is more comfortable. If you use a razor, soften your beard thoroughly with soap and warm water. To avoid nicking pimples, shave as lightly as possible. Shave only when necessary and always use a sharp blade.

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Advice for treating moderate acne

If moderate acne is concerning you, you need to take these necessary and important steps:

Step 1
Make an appointment with your local GP.

Step 2
You may be prescribed a topical or oral (explained below) antibiotic by your GP.

Step 3
If so, you need to allow up to 12 weeks for treatment to work.

Step 4
If you’re still concerned about your acne after 12 weeks, ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist.

Antibiotics that treat acne come in two different forms – they are either topical (applied directly to skin) or oral (swallowed in tablet form). Both types reduce the presence of bacteria in the skin and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Oral antibiotics are generally used when acne has become moderate to severe. They may be used on their own or along with a topical treatment.

If you are prescribed a topical retinoid cream, you can expect the following:

Initial reaction

During the early days of therapy, blackheads will begin to dislodge. You may experience some redness, discomfort or peeling.

After three weeks
You may see new acne appearing. This is normal but it will soon disappear.

After six weeks
There should be good progress and a noticeable difference in the amount of acne.

After 12 weeks
Your acne should be under control. Further improvement is still possible.

General tips

* Wash face no more than two or three times a day. Pat your face dry without rubbing.
* Wait 20-30 minutes after washing your face before applying the topical cream.
* Avoid applying cream to the corners of the mouth, nose, and eyes or on other sensitive areas.
* Apply at least half an hour before going to bed.
* If stinging and redness is extreme, notify your GP.

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Advice for treating acne

Whether you have mild, moderate or severe acne, it is important to get the right information on the best treatment for your particular skin type.

As soon as acne starts interfering with your enjoyment of life it is important to talk to your local pharmacist about your desire to improve your acne. They have a range of over the counter products that will be suitable for your particular skin type.

If after 4-6 weeks your acne has not improved as much as you would have liked, visit your local doctor who has access to more effective acne therapies. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist if your acne is more severe.


Everyone wants to get rid of their acne as quickly as possible which is why the "quick fix" sounds so appealing. The reality is treatment of acne takes time and patience. In mild cases that may mean a week but for the more severe forms of acne, it may require a few months to clear your acne. The upside is you'll see results on the way.


Talk to a medical professional for help before:

* spending large amounts of money on buying an advertised 'quick fix';


* buying an expensive skin care range which may not be right for you; and


* purchasing an acne light or topical treatment over the Internet after reading celebrity testimonials.

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When should you start to treat acne?

Since everyone gets acne at some time, there is no "correct" time to treat it. The best advice is to take action when you think it is out of control. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, mild acne that just won't go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up the week before your prom or wedding. The decision is yours

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What can you do about acne on your own?

Think back to the three basic causes of acne, and you can understand why the focus of both home treatment and prescription therapy is to: (1) unclog pores; (2) kill bacteria; and (3) minimize oil. But first a word about . . .

Lifestyle: Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink eight glasses of water a day. You can, however, still control your acne even if your routine is frantic and unpredictable. Probably the most useful lifestyle change you can make is to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts, to get facials (see below), and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring,” but fortunately it usually isn’t, in the permanent sense. It's just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.

Open the pores

Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

* Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.
* Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores.
* Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication, Retin-A, this derivative of Vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.

Kill the bacteria

* Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.
* Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the Internet and cable TV are more costly, but not really any better than ones you can buy in the drugstore.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide get on your good colored clothes, shirts, or towels.

Reduce the oil

You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil (unless you mess with your hormones or metabolism in ways you shouldn't.). Even isotretinoin (Accutane -- see below) only slows down oil glands for a while, they come back to life later. What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin, and reduce the embarrassing shine.

* Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. (There are many brands available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines.)
* Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha-hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).
* Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.
* Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

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What are other things you can do for acne?

Cosmetics: Don't be afraid to hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long at it is water-based or oil-free. There are many quality products available.

Facials: While not absolutely essential, steaming and "deep-cleaning" pores is useful, both alone and in addition to medical treatment, especially for people with "whiteheads" or "blackheads." Having these pores unclogged by a professional also reduces the temptation to do it yourself.

Pore Strips: Pharmacies now carry, under a variety of brand names, strips which you put on your nose, forehead, chin, etc. to "pull out" oil from your pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive and safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.

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What is a good basic skin regimen?

What is a good basic skin regimen?

These are all good basic skin regimens that may help with the acne battle:

1. Cleanse twice daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash. An alternative for those who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide is 2% salicylic acid.
2. Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, an alternative is sulfur or resorcinol.
3. At night, apply a spot cream containing sulfur to the affected areas.
4. Use a light skin moisturizer and oil-free makeup.

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Treatments for acne?

If you haven't been able to control your acne adequately, you may want to consult a primary care physician or dermatologist. Here are some of the things you can assist with:

* 1.Topical (externally applied) antibiotics and antibacterials: These include erythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).

* 2.Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been around for years, and has become milder and gentler while still maintaining its effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. Wit proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. For more, please read the Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs article.

* 3.Oral antibiotics: Most doctors start treatment with tetracycline or one of the related "cyclines," such as doxycycline and minocycline. Other oral antibiotics that are useful for treating acne are cefadroxil, amoxicillin, and the sulfa drugs.
o Problems with these drugs can include allergic reactions (especially sulfa), gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline, in particular, is generally safe but can sometime cause esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus, producing discomfort when swallowing) and an increased tendency to sunburn.
o Despite many people’s concerns about using oral antibiotics for several months or longer, such use does not “weaken the immune system” and make them more susceptible to infections, or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary.
o Recently published reports that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of breast cancer will require further study, but at present are not substantiated. In general, doctors prescribe oral antibiotic therapy for acne only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.

* 4.Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne.
* 5.Cortisone Injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.

* 6.Isotretinoin: (Accutane was the original brand name; there are now several generic versions in common use.) Isotretinoin is a wonderful treatment for severe, resistant acne, used on millions of patients since it was introduced in 1982. It should be used for patients with severe acne, chiefly of the cystic variety, which has been unresponsive to conventional therapies like those listed above.
o Used properly, isotretinoin is safe and produces few side effects beyond dry lips and occasional muscle aches. This drug is prescribed for 5-6 months. Fasting blood tests are monitored monthly to check liver function and the level of triglycerides, relatives of cholesterol which often rise a bit during treatment, but rarely to the point where treatment has to be modified or stopped.
o Even though isotretinoin does not remain the body after therapy is stopped, improvement is often long-lasting. It is safe to take two or three courses of the drug if unresponsive acne makes a comeback. It is, however, best to wait at least several months and to try other methods before using isotretinoin again.
o Isotretinoin has a high risk of inducing birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age who take isotretinoin need two negative pregnancy tests (blood or urine) before starting the drug, monthly tests while they take it, and another after they are done. Those who are sexually active must use two forms of contraception, one of which is usually the oral contraceptive pill. Isotretinoin leaves the body completely when treatment is done; women must be sure to avoid pregnancy for one month after therapy is stopped. There is, however, no risk to childbearing after that time.
o Another concern, much discussed in the popular press, is the risk of depression and suicide in patients taking isotretinoin. Government oversight has resulted in a highly-publicized and very burdensome national registration system for those taking the drug. This has reinforced the understandable, but unfortunate and inaccurate, sense many patients and their families have that isotretinoin is dangerous. In fact, large-scale studies have shown no increased risk for depression and suicide in those taking isotretinoin compared with the general population. Although it is important for those taking this drug to report mood changes (or any other symptoms) to their doctors, even patients who are being treated for depression are not barred from taking isotretinoin, whose striking success often improves the mood and outlook of patients who have suffered and been scarred from acne for years.

* 7.Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective. However, what isn’t clear at this time, is how long the effects will last. In addition, health insurers do not generally reimburse for these procedures, so they can be costly. At this point they are best thought of as adjuncts to conventional therapy, rather than as substitutes.

* 8.Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by Estheticians, or deeper ones performed in the doctor's office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general do not substitute for regular therapy.

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How would you sum up current day treatment of acne?

Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any of the treatments listed above may take 2 or 3 months to start working (even isotretinoin.) Unless there are side effects such as dryness or allergy, it is important to give each regimen or drug enough time to work before giving up on it and moving on to other methods. Using modern methods, doctors can help clear up just about everyone.

Causes of acne

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone's skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

*1.Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
*2.Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.
*3.Dirt: Some individuals have more "oily" skin than others (as mentioned above, "Blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
*4.Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
*5.Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.
*6.Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

*7.Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.
*8.Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
*9.Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

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Type of acne

Acne is a group of skin rashes that have different causes.

Acne vulgaris
most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest

Acne rosacea
a red rash predominantly on the face

Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae)
a rash caused by shaving

Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa)
chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women

Acne cosmetica
acne caused by cosmetics

Acne fulminans
an extreme form of acne conglobata

Acne medicamentosa
acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine Chloracne

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Understanding Acne

Acne Scar Removal
People who have been left with acne scars can find hope in procedures recommended by dermatologists. There are several methods of removal or smoothing of the scars depending on age, health condition and severity.

Acne Scarring - Cause and Treatment
Usually, the mild form of acne occurring in most people does not leave scars, or if it does, the scars heal naturally over time. But people suffering from severe forms of acne such as Nodulocystic acne might be left with deep scars in the skin. Find out more about effects of acne and treatments here.

Acne Statistics
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States. It is not contagious, but rather develops most prevalently during the teenage years and the early 20s. Acne is caused by an excess production of oil in the sebaceous glands. Find out some statistics on acne here.

Acne Treatment with Vitamin B-5
Find out the multitude of positive effects of treating Acne with vitamin b-5.

Adult Acne
Normally 95% of the people affected by acne are infected with acne in their teenage years. The other 5% develop acne during middle age (30-40is and beyond) n mainly due to hormonal changes.

Are there different kinds of Acne that different age groups get?
Acne not only occurs in teens, as the number of adults suffering from acne has been increasing in the last decade. In 1999, Goulden and Cunliffe published their study of rising cases of acne in adulthood (Prevalence of facial Acne in Adults); they noted that the mean age of patients treated for Acne had increased in a decade from 20.5 years to 26.5 years.

At What Age Do People Generally Stop Getting Acne?
There is a misconception among people that teenagers are the only ones who experience acne breakouts. They think that once the teenage years are passed acne would not appear. They are wrong, because acne sometimes appears in older ages as well. Find out more information here.

Coping with Acne
The bad news for people with acne is that no medication has been found that can prevent acne. Three out of four teenagers have acne, so you are not alone. Most teenagers want to know about the cure for acne or making oneself presentable by using makeup over acne.

Cosmetics and Acne
Cosmetics, because of their chemical compounds, are directly related to acne. In fact, acne cosmetica, or acne caused by cosmetics, is a common mild form of acne. This type of acne is triggered by topical factors and not the complex processes that take place inside the body. Even those people who are not susceptible to acne sometimes suffer from acne cosmetica. Find more information here.

Cyst Removal and Prevention
Acne is a disease, which affects three out of four people. It is impossible to stop the outbreaks of acne. The disease also causes emotional trauma to a lot of people. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent scarring of the skin. Treatment for acne is available, but it varies among individuals as every individual has a different skin type. Treatment also depends on the severity of acne outbreaks.

Detoxification for Acne
Detoxification, or cleansing of body of accumulated toxins, is a treatment mostly used in alternative medicine. The principle behind detoxification therapy is that the accumulated toxins in body give rise to various diseases and eliminating these toxins and avoiding further toxicity is essential for healing the body. Get more information here.

Does Diet Play a Role in Acne?
It has been a subject of great debate if diet plays a role in acne. Now itis becoming clear that diet or food items may not directly cause acne, but the chemicals released during the metabolism of certain food items directly influence factors causing acne, and thus worsen the condition of pre-existing acne or trigger off on set of acne. Find out more about the effects here.

Does Stress Cause Acne?
There has been a long debate about stress-related acne in health circles. Until a couple of years ago, the medical field was divided on the issue of whether stress causes acne, but recently there has been many clinical studies which show that stress can worsen acne.

Dry Skin and Acne
There are basically three types of skin: oily, dry and normal. All types of skin are susceptible to acne and the degree of severity depends on various conditions. A large percentage of people have all three types on their face and other parts of their bodies requiring different care for each type.

Everyday Tips for Acne Prevention
Acne can be tremendously embarrassing for the acne sufferer. It is advisable to maintain the right kind of diet, nutritional balance and proper skin care. Here are some tips that will help you heal your acne.

Good Digestive System and Acne
Many skin problems are caused by a sluggish digestive system. Acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis and body odor all owe their origin to the malfunctioning of digestive system.

Hormones and Acne
People suffering from acne often have oily skin. This is mainly because of high level of androgen and testosterone hormones. Hormonal imbalances could lead to acne. Androgen and estrogen balance is required to maintain healthy skin.

How Can Lasers Benefit Acne?
Dermatologists are using lasers for just about everything, including removal of birthmarks, smoothing out wrinkles, removing unwanted hair and assisting with acne. Find out more about that here.

How Does Acne Develop?
Acne is a skin disorder which is caused by plugged pores on the skin. Acne lesions arise through pilosebaceous units, which are made of sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the middle layer of skin called the dermis. Pilosebaceous units are found all over the body except in the palms of hands and the bottoms of feet. Thatis why we do not have body hair or oil glands in these places, and thus no acne. More information can be found by clicking this link.

How is Acne Treated? (Homeopathic and Drugs)
There are numerous ways to treat acne. While acne cannot be prevented nor cured, there are treatments to help lessen the severity of the acne as well as to avoid scars and infection. Find some information on common treatments here.

How Should People with Acne Care for Their Skin?
There is no cure for acne, although there are numerous treatments for helping to prevent serious outbreaks. Treating your acne and blackheads can also help improve your appearance and self esteem as well as prevent the development of lifelong-pitted scars.

Keeping Acne to A Minimum in the Shower
Many misconceptions about skin care and acne seem logical, but are in fact farther away from the truth. Take for instance the stance that you should scrub your face well to wash away acne, though it seems logical it is a farfetched solution and in fact can aggravate the problem. Some people are inclined to use harsh soap to keep the body and free from infection without realizing that it cannot prevent an outbreak of acne.

Know Your Skin
Skin is a sensitive organ and its proper upkeep is necessary to keep it healthy and protect it from infection. Skin is also affected by inner chemical changes, which are caused because of malfunctioning of different metabolic processes in the body. Simple acne appears on skin due to complex processes of extra male hormone formation by adrenal glands.

Let's Talk about Back Acne
To improve the condition of back acne, it is vital to understand what the root cause of this skin disease is, and also some information about what does not cause back acne.

Natural Treatment of Acne
Acne in severe forms need medical attention, but in its mild form and at the beginning, acne can be treated effectively by natural herbs and following natures way in our daily routine. These herbs, which help even in removing blemishes, are not from any exotic plants or some rare species. These are very common natural products and oils found in our day to day life.

Oily Skin and Acne
People with oily skin are more prone to acne than any other type of skin. Oil glands are more commonly known as sebaceous glands. Find more information about this by clicking the link.

Teenage Acne
Three out of four teens become infected with acne and some of them may end up with severe psychological damage or physical scarring for life. Teens may lose their self-confidence and self esteem due to the onslaught of acne. Many of them feel embarrassed by the outbreak and tend to provide false reasons for not attending social gatherings and events.

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