Acne is a skin problem that affects almost all teenagers. The condition results from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands). The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that empties onto the skin surface through the hair follicle opening (pore). The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in the follicle openings. When this happens, pores become clogged and pimples develop.

In most cases, pimples occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne does not present a serious health risk, but severe acne can result in permanent scarring.

Why Do Some People Get Acne and Others Don't?

It is not clear why some people are more prone to acne than others. There is no exact cause of acne known, but one important factor is an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands (oil glands) to get larger and produce more sebum. Androgens also can increase because of hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills.

Another factor in the cause of acne is genetics. Cosmetics that have a greasy consistency may change the cells of the follicles, causing them to stick together and resulting in a plugged pore. Water-based products are less likely to cause acne.

Things that can make acne worse include:

• Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin; harsh scrubbing
• Picking or squeezing blemishes
• Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars
• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women two to seven days before the start of the menstrual period
• Stress

Other factors that were previously thought to make acne worse do not seem to have an effect on the development of acne. These factors include chocolate, greasy foods, and dirty skin.

What Does Acne Look Like?

Acne can appear as one of the following:

• Whiteheads: Small, hard bumps with a white centre.
• Blackheads: Small, blocked pores. The black color is not from dirt. It may be from bacteria and matter that react with oxygen.
• Papules, pustules or nodules: More serious lesions appearing red and swollen due to a lot of pus visible. 
• Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.

How Is Acne Treated?

Acne will usually go away on its own, but it can take many years. There are treatments that can help clear acne more quickly.There are now a lot of treatments available for the treatment of acne. Don't put up with acne, get advice and get rid of it. Here are some of the current treatments that will help you to a better clearer, skin.

Treatments may include:

• OTC topical drug treatments: Over-the-counter medications includes many forms gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pads. When these products are used regularly, they are moderately effective in the treatment of acne.
• Prescription topical drug treatments: They are used to treat acne include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid.  Doctors often prescribe benzoyl peroxide so that they can make sure that their patients get the most desirable formulation (for example, cream, lotion or gel).
• Prescription oral drug treatments: For patients with moderate to severe acne, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics. They are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and decreasing inflammation. They are usually taken daily for a certain period.

Tips to Prevent Acne:

Here are tips that may help control acne.

• Don't over wash or use harsh scrubs. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Too much cleaning can leave skin irritated and dry, triggering glands to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of pimples.
• Use oil-free  products on your face.
• Don't pick blemishes. Picking can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.

Don't let acne define who you are. Do the things you can to improve your skin, and then get back to doing the things you enjoy.