Acne

what is acne?

Acne is a term used to describe a variety of symptons such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, zits or blemishes, and is most commonly seen in boys and girls during the teenage years. During adolescence, the harmonal changes stimulate the glands, causing an over supply of oils that back up and clog the pores. Studies show that 3 out of 4 teens have some degree of acne.

Although acne breakouts are not as common after puberty,  adults are not immune to this affliction either, especially those with oily skin.

what are the direct causes of acne?

Acne occures when the hair follicles of your skin become plugged. Each follicle contains sebaceous (oil) glands that secrete a fatty oil known as sebrum which lubricates skin and hair. When these follicles become clogged at skin level, a lesion -- inflammed or not inflammed -- is the result. These sebaceous glands are most active on the face, chest and back.

acne myths

"Stories" about acne are are many and varied.  And here are some of them:

• Acne is the result of poor personal hygiene -- dirty skin and hair. This belief probably started because of the skin infections associated with acne. But, it is false. Acne outbreaks happen because of what takes place beneath the skin surface.
• Eating chocolate causes acne pimples. This is also not true. While eating too much chocolate or too  many French fries and cheeseburgers might not be a healthy diet for most people, it also has not been scientifically proven to cause acne. You should rely on your own personal experiences to tell you what foods do and do not agree with you.
• Acne is somehow related to sex. This is false. However, again, there is no scientific proof that too much or lack of sex causes acne. Sexual activity has a relationship with harmonal production, but not with the secretion of sebrum.
•  Acne is seen in the teen years only.  Of course, this is not true. As mentioned previously, this malady is very often seen in adults of all ages.
• "Let acne run its course." This is certainly an erroneous statement. There are many aids and treatments to relieve those suffering from this problem. So to think it should be allowed to run its course is ridiculous. Acne should not be ignored and should be treated aggressively following basic medically approved procedures.
• Squeezing pimples is the preferred way to get rid of them. This is certainly false. Squeezing pimples is never an option to take, especially if you don't know what you are doing. You could very well aggravate the condition, leading to infections and possibly causing permanent scarring.
• The more medicines you take or use, the better -- again, not true. Excess use of any medication, oral or topical, can be dangerous and lead to more problems. Always follow directions for the acne medication use as well as your dermatologist's advice.

Acne most often is a facial problem, but people have it on other parts of the body such as the back, neck, shoulders and chest.

Acne does take a toll on those afflicted with it. It affects their self-image, self-confidence and can even cause depression. Happily, there are treatments available --from the most basic such as daily skin care to more complex or prescribed treatments by a dermatologist.

For additional acne information see:

Acne Treatment - The Best Ways To Care For Acne
Types of Acne - The Many Variations of Acne
Acne Treatment - The Best Ways To Care For Acne
Acne Creams - Topical Acne Treatments
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Helpful Acne Information Source