All You Need to Know About Acne

Acne is a common skin condition and although it normally occurs in teenagers and young adults it can occur in anyone. Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads, red and painful pimples or deeper lumps and can occur on the face, neck, back and/or shoulders. Acne is caused by clogs in the oil ducts below your skin. These clogs can occur from hormone changes during adolescents, changes in hormones before menstruation or pregnancy, oily lotions or makeup, emotional stress, nutritional supplements with iodine,the medication lithium used to treat bipolar disorder or illegal steroids. Although commonly believed, fatty and oily foods do not cause acne although they can make it worse for some people so if you notice that eating certain foods makes your acne worse, avoid those foods.

Most acne can be treated with common health methods. Washing your skin where there is acne twice a day without scrubbing can help to clear up the problem area. Washing after you exercise or sweat and washing your hair at least every other day can also cut back on the oils that can clog your oil ducts and cause acne. You can also use an over the counter lotion or cream with benzoyl peroxide that doesn't contain oils, to help clean out your oil ducts. You should also remember not to squeeze, scratch or poke your pimples or spend too much time in the sun. Doing any of these latter things can result in pocks, which are acne scars which are usually permanent.

If your acne is really bad you should seek a doctor who can prescribe topical ointments, retin a cream/gel and antibiotics which will help to clear up your acne.