Acne Treatment : Prescription Acne Treatment - All They All Scams?

Prescription acne treatment is the treatment recommended by a dermatologist after evaluating the person who is suffering from acne. It mainly involves topical medications and oral medications.

Prescription acne treatment acts on the factors that lead to acne, reduces oil production in the skin and effectively reduces infections from bacteria while minimizing inflammation. Prescription treatments also exist for removing the acne scars. Commonly employed prescription acne treatment includes topical treatments, antibiotics, isotretinoin, laser and light therapy, and cosmetic procedures. A combination of these treatments is often prescribed by dermatologists for achieving long term results. Prescription acne treatment such as soft tissue filters, dermabrasion, radiofrequency and laser light treatments, microdermabration and skin surgery are employed for treating the scars that are left by acne.

Topical acne medication is the best choice for treating mild acne. In this acne treatment, the prescribed medication is applied on the patient's skin; it kills excess skin bacteria and prevents the plugging of hair follicles. The most popular topical medications include azelaic acid, retinoids, benzoyl peroxides, topical acne antibiotics and combination topical products. Adapalene, Tazarotine and Tretinoin are the retinoids most often prescribed. Oral contraceptives are prescribed as a combination of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, and are specially meant for women. Oral antibiotics are prescribed for treating more severe acne and sometimes they are used in combination with acne treatments. Isotretinoin is often prescribed by dermatologists in case the acne is severe and is not responding to other treatments.
Cosmetic acne treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabration are extensively prescribed by dermatologists to lessen the appearance of fine lines, minor facial scars and sun damages. Hormone treatments are employed to get rid of acne which is caused by hormonal imbalances. Laser therapy lessens the oil production of oil glands and light therapy acts on the bacteria that cause inflammation.

Acne treatments require a time period of 4-8 weeks for getting results. Prescribed acne treatments, especially oral treatment is highly effective, but prone to severe side effects. Pregnant women are not advised oral prescription acne treatment. And lastly it is important to find a program that you can stick to, and follow their schedule so that you can get on track to curing your acne. There are many programs out there and around the net, but make sure that you follow a proven program that has proven results. Because there are many places willing to offer programs, but most are just taking your money.

Acne Treatment : Don't Eat Me! - 5 Foods That Cause Acne

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of acne is to avoid getting it in the first place. While that might sound ridiculous if you already have a terrible acne problem, if you avoid these next 5 foods, it's a lot easier than you think!

Acne is often just a way of your body reacting to something that it doesn't like for a particular reason, so if you cut back or get rid of the things your body doesn't like, clear skin will follow close behind.

1 - Fast Food

Of course fast food isn't good for you, but can it cause acne too? It sure can! Fast food is overloaded with oils and fats that don't do any good for your figure, or your face. Oil is what clogs pores and causes pimples so adding fast food to your diet will add excessive amounts of oil and acne to your body.

2 - Spicy Food

Spicy foods cause your body to have a warming/inflammatory reaction. If you are allergic to bees and have been stung, or have just been bitten my a mosquito and noticed how the area around the bite got warm - this is a similar reaction.

Your body responds to these "attacks" in a similar way by releasing chemicals and antibodies. This reaction helps your body, but also throws things out of wack causing your body stress, and often acne.

3 - Foods You Are Allergic To

I have often heard people say "I'm allergic to _____ but it doesn't really bother me, I eat it all the time." This is a terrible idea for many reasons, especially for acne!

Whether you feel terrible allergic reactions or not, your body treats these foods as intruders and works hard to keep them from harming you. These foods just like spicy food throw your insides into turmoil causing inflammation, lots of stress on your body, and acne.

4 - Dairy

Most animals in the wild cannot digest milk after they have left infancy. Most humans also grow intolerant of milk after infancy, but in the US milk is so heavily incorporated into our diet that most of our bodies are used to it.

While some of us become lactose intolerant - which is actually the norm in the rest of the world, most of us continue consuming milk unaware of our body's reactions. Even if we aren't lactose intolerant milk can cause reactions similar to an allergy and inflammation, which results in stress and acne.

5 - Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil, similar to fast food, clogs pores, but it also promotes inflammation in your body. So just like the rest of these foods it promotes - you guess it, acne!

Acne Treatment : Do You Make These Mistakes When Treating Acne?

Acne is the most distressing skin problem one can go through . Almost 90% of men and women have dealt with acne at some time or the other. Acne, unlike other skin problems affect people much more deeply. Part of the problems lies in wrong beliefs on what causes zits and how to treat it. This article will highlight some of these mistakes made in dealing with acne.

Mistake #1: Thinking it's just a phase.
Most People live through waves of acne with the mistaken belief that acne is just a phase they are going through . If left untreated, acne can stay till your late 20s and early 30s. That is not as bad as the risk of having those acne become acne scars – permanent acne that could take a decade to go away.

Mistake #2: Following Popular Folklore Advice
In our society, there is no shortage of advice. Acne is no different. Following advice such as “don't eat pizza”, “Wash your face many times”, “avoid oily food” are just plain useless and have no truth in them having helped clear acne.

Mistake #3: Expecting acne to disappear overnight
Recovery from acne breakouts take time. Dermatologists themselves cannot tell how long it will take to treat acne in anyone. It doesn't matter what the proactiv advertisement said, acne treatments take time. You must be patient and follow a treatment plan religiously for a couple of weeks.

Mistake #4: Not Addressing The Emotional Effects Of Acne
Face it . acne makes you feel distressed and helpless . It completely changes your character. Many people live with a lowered self esteem and because of that deny themselves relationships and career opportunities. The most worrying aspect of acne is the emotional damage remains long after acne has stopped appearing .

Mistake #5: Eating Acne Causing Food
Another common misconception is that acne has nothing to do with food . On the contrary, recent scientific studies have revealed a relationship between acne breakouts and diet. No it is not junk food or oily food. Actually , most junk food items or oily food DON'T fall under the category of food items that cause acne!

Acne Treatment Guide - Skin Eruption

Skin eruption communally known as acne, from this common condition suffers approximately 85% of people from 12-25 age range. Acne treatment products act against the cause of acne development e.g. limiting the production of sebum/oil and preventing acne lesions. The greasy skin is common known to be the most vulnerable skin type attacked by acne.

To properly cure the leaky roof you should fix the root cause, which is the hole in the roof!

Types of acne treatment products are known to be very effective. With those acne treatment products you should tack acne in the first week. Here are some examples of products that have formula based on peroxide and salicylic acid; the frailest enemies of the bacteria that cause those skin eruptions:

Clear pores - is well known on internet to be the best effective treatment against acne. Reviews over reviews strongly suggest that Clear Pores system is the best choice to make in order to get rive of acne.

From a vast database of testimonials healthy pores is known to be popular trough his ability to permanently treat acne and speed (fast acne treatment method). Cure time: 1 week.

Acnezine product is completely based on natural ingredients, usually acne and acne causes are present because of the food diet. The dermatologist that studies with us for 2 years sad that this product works to heal acne from inside-out. Acne always is a problem that shows out like an eruption of the skin from the inside of us. Acnezine works and helps your body to eliminate the bacteria from the body and the results are seen outside of the skin. Cure time: starts in 3 weeks.

Healthy pores product is a new and renovating product with a new formula that seems to grab a significant part from the market share in the past 2 years, a similar acne-prevention method. In testimonials from 1999 people say that healthy pores changed their lives and that they are more confident with themselves. Cure time: starts in 2 weeks.

It is always wise to contact one dermatologist to guide you to a more compatible treatment product for you. Now in 2008 there are methods to get rid of acne faster and for every type of acne you just need to find one suitable for you. Acne-stop.com has done all the research for you we have reviews and acne information to find the perfect acne treatment so please check out the site to find out what is the last acne treatment product you will ever use.

Acne Treatment : 3 Easy Steps - Being Proactive, Acne Improves. Simple!

This article covers the 3 easy steps you should take to clear your skin of acne. You might read elsewhere about a 'miracle cure' for acne, a 'magic acne cream' that will work instantly, or a 'new breakthrough' that will keep your skin clear forever, but ultimately the success of any treatment you use, will entirely depend on how motivated you are to apply the medication every day over a long period of time.

Being Proactive, Acne Improves. Simple!

The title of this article says '3 easy steps', and the steps ARE easy, but staying with these 3 steps for the long-term is not easy, and this is where most folks fail in their attempt to beat their acne.

My own son is a prime example of this - he is lucky in that his acne is quite mild, but it does have a huge effect on his confidence and his self-esteem, and that has a major effect on his life. When he has spots, he follows this regimen diligently for as long as it takes for his face to clear, but no matter how much I remind and encourage him to carry on treating, the frequency of his treatment drops off and eventually stops which means his acne returns - it's a vicious cycle. If you recognize yourself in the above paragraph, don't feel too bad about it - welcome to the club!

Being Proactive, Acne Improves. Simple!

I do not want to give anyone false hope here, but if you follow the 3 steps (and stick with them), almost all of you will be able to clear your acne. OK, the 3 steps are:

1. Cleanse

2. Medicate

3. Moisturize

Were you expecting something more complicated? It's not rocket science I know, but it does work. In fact it does get a little more complicated than that, because I should have added a word after each of those steps that word is 'properly', but I will cover what properly is means in this context a little later, and you will need to continue with your treatment after your acne is clear.

Cleansing Your Skin 'Properly'.

1. Golden Rule - when you wash the areas affected by acne you want to avoid anything that will irritate your skin - so always be very gentle.

2. Splash your face, neck, chest, and all the areas that are affected by acne with warm water.

3. Use a cleansing wash if you wish to gently wash the affected areas, use your hands only and don't spend too long doing this, you don't want to irritate your skin.

4. Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry very gently, do not rub your face, remember you do not want to cause any added irritation.

5. Leave your skin for about 5 minutes until it is completely dry before you apply your medication.

Medicate Your Skin 'Properly'.

1. Ensure that your hands are completely clean and dry.

2. Take the manufacturers recommended amount of medication onto one finger and use a finger from your other hand and gently apply the medication to the affected areas.

3. Then, work the medication using a circular motion with the finger into the skin until it is almost all absorbed - do this without applying any pressure.

4. Allow the medication to dry for about 5 minutes or so.

Moisturize Your Skin Properly.

1. Ensure that your hands are completely clean and dry.

2. Use the ends of your fingertips to gently pat the moisturizer onto your face.

3. Using the same technique as you did with the medication, work the moisturizer into the skin very gently.

4. Remember, when you are moisturizing, the same golden rule applies; avoid irritating the skin by rubbing.

Being Proactive, Acne Improves. Simple!

This 3 step regimen will work with any medication you are using (providing it is the right medication for your skin), but only if you follow it to the letter AND stick to it twice every day.

Almost every person I have met who has failed on this regimen has failed because they were not able to keep it up long-term. It is a chore, there is no point denying that, but if you are proactive and motivated enough you will see fantastic results.

How Long Before You See Results?

For most people 4 - 8 weeks will see their skin improve dramatically, others though will need a little more time, some will see results within a couple of weeks. But when you do see a significant improvement, please, please, please carry on, even if it is only once a day, because this will play a major part in preventing your acne returning.

Acne Treatment : Natural Ways To Cure Adult Acne

Acne is a skin condition that usually affects teenagers due to the hormonal changes that accompany puberty. For a small percentage of people their acne continues into adulthood, and can continue into their thirties, and in some cases into their forties.

Oily skin is the biggest cause of acne as it gets trapped in the skin's pores. Bacteria then causes an inflammation of the skin which is commonly known as a spot or pimple.

Treating adult acne is slightly different to treating a teenage spot problem due to the different hormonal changes in the body, and also the environmental causes of the problem. It's not just a case of washing twice a day with a medicated soap. When you're an adult skin care takes a bit more time and focus.

If you suffer with sensitive skin then the environment you're living in could be playing havoc with your skin. Smog and smoke can be a continual bombardment of pollutants that can cause your skin to produce more oil or not enough oil, and these pollutants can cause pores to become easily blocked.

A diet high in oily or greasy food can also cause your skin to become oily as well. If you suffer from adult acne then these foods are best avoided. Replacing your diet with foods that are healthy and high in nutrition will have a dramatic impact in the way your skin looks and feels. Like the rest of your body your skin relies on nutrition to run at it's optimal best.

A diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables will provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. These foods are high in fibre so your intestines will move at a faster rate. Food that stay in your intestines too long will ferment, and then toxins will be absorbed into your body, and this will be reflected in the way your skin looks.

Keeping your body hydrated is important as well. A dehydrated body will cause your skin to become dehydrated, and this can cause spots and pimples to appear. Your body needs at least eight glasses of water a day, and this will need to be increased depending on how much you exercise.

Regular exercise is a great way of keeping your skin clear. Exercise helps the body to expel toxins through sweat, and it will give you a reason to drink more water which flushes more toxins out of your body.

What you put into your body, and the environment you live in will show in your skin. You have the opportunity to look as healthy as you possibly can. If you experiment with small changes for a few weeks you will have an idea of how good you can look, and how clear your skin can be.

Acne Treatment Reviews

Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, plooks or "zits".
Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles. Hyperkeratinization and formation of a plug of keratin and sebum (a microcomedo) is the earliest change. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occur with increased (DHEA-S) production at adrenarche. The microcomedo may enlarge to form an open comedo (blackhead) or closed comedo (whitehead). Increased sebum production provides an environment for the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. Bacterial overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation, leading to inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, or nodules) in the dermis around the microcomedo or comedo, which may result in scarring.
Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood.For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches his or her early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties and forties and even beyond.
SYMPTOMS:
The term acne comes from a corruption of the Greek ???? (acme in the sense of a skin eruption) in the writings of Aëtius Amidenus. The vernacular term bacne or backne is often used to indicate acne found specifically on one's back.
The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", meaning "common acne." Many teenagers get this type of acne.
The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. The upper arms can also have acne, but lesions found there are often keratosis pilaris, not acne. The typical acne lesions are comedones and inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules. Some of the large nodules were previously called "cysts" and the term nodulocystic has been used to describe severe cases of inflammatory acne. True cysts are rarely found in acne, and the term should be abandoned and the term severe nodular acne used instead.
Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced and, according to at least one study, depression or suicide. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated to lessen the overall impact to individuals.Causes of acne
There are many misconceptions and myths about acne. Primary causes
Exactly why some people get acne and some do not is not fully known. It is known to be partly hereditary. Several factors are known to be linked to acne:
Family history
Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty
Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands.
Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary to the three hormone sources above.
Accumulation of dead skin cells.
Bacteria in the pores, to which the body becomes 'allergic'.
Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation.
Use of anabolic steroids.
Any containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
Exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds, particularly chlorinated dioxins, can cause severe, long-lasting acne, known as Chloracne.
Several hormones have been linked to acne: the androgens testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown to be insulin resistant
Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. Menopause-associated acne occurs as production of the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol fails at menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica in this situation).

How to Avoid Acne

So, you’ve got your acne out of the way, but you definitely don’t want it coming back! Here are 10 easy ways to help prevent you getting a bout again:
Remove all your dead cells. Exfoliate - but not too much! Try and do this once a week.
Never use coarse pads or scrubbing brushes - they damage your skin. I see many people who think “I’ll just scrape it all off” I understand your frustration but use creams and take the softly softly approach!
Take steam baths for your face. Fill a bowl with boiling water, add a little tea tree oil and hover your face at least 10cm above the water. Cover your head with a towel to keep steam in and leave for 5 minutes - but remember to come up every so often to get some fresh air. This helps open up your pores.
Stop touching your face! This will stop bacteria and dirt being passed around. Cut the habit.
Keep a clean environment - change your bed sheets at least every two weeks to get rid of oils that pass on from your face. Change your wash cloth regularly and make sure you NEVER share it.
Eat well. This makes you overall healthier and there are proven links between acne and bad foods (think greasy foods). Try swapping white bread for granary.
Drink lots of water. Almost like refreshing your system. There are proven links between milk intake and acne so try to cut down on milk and/or swap it for soya milk or water.
See a dermatologist about getting a schedule and regime set up. They may be able to recommend specialist products.
Wash your face twice a day with warm water to freshen yourself and clean out any pores.
Get a system and STICK TO IT! It is all about being consistent with what you do, out a timetable up if you need to!
Hopefully these tips will have given you some pointers to prevent any out breaks!

Acne Treatment : Natural Remedies for Acne

Acne is a very common skin problem. Many people, of all ages, suffer from this skin dilemma. This particular skin problem can come in a variety of forms and sizes. Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pimples are just a few of the forms. The more severe acne is made up of painful nodules and cysts. Typically, the severe skin blemishes lead to scarring. These breakouts can occur almost anywhere on the body, including face, shoulders, back, chest, legs, and buttocks. So what can we do in order to diminish the appearance of these unsightly skin irritants?
One way to treat acne naturally is with the use of tea tree oil. Simply apply diluted tea tree oil directly onto the breakouts. This particular product is said to contain terpinen-4-ol, an ingredient that is responsible for tea tree oil’s antibacterial activity. Since tea tree oil is strong enough to kill a lot of bacteria, it has been said that it can also treat acne bacteria. This is one remedy that is safe and easy to do at home.
Another way that some people treat acne is with a supplement known as Zinc. This particular supplement has been proven as yet another effective remedy; however, unlike tea tree oil, zinc can lead to serious health problems. So if you plan to take this supplement as a means of fighting your acne, simply discuss it with your doctor prior to taking any doses. Some other helpful tips include keeping your face clean and washing your hands prior to touching your face. Also most importantly, try not to pick at your breakouts. That is one of the most common problems. It is very tempting to pick at pimples; however, that is the first step towards permanent scarring. So if you suffer from acne, try applying some of these helpful hints to your daily routine.

Acne Treatments And Their Potential Side Effects

If you suffer with acne then the likelihood is that it is the bane of your life. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a teenager to have a problem with acne. Some people suffer with it well into adulthood. As such, people of any age can commence acne treatment at any given time. Whilst acne treatments can have fantastic results, they can also have the potential side effects that could make a sufferer even more miserable. Although the incidence and likelihood of this occurring is extremely low, it is still possible.Acne Treatments And YouThere are literally so many acne treatments out there that it is difficult to know where to begin. Many are available over the counter whilst others are available via prescription only. It is fair to say that those falling into the latter category of acne treatments are by far the strongest and need careful control as a result of the ingredients. However, whether the acne treatments are prescribed or chosen, they all have potential side effects. You are best informed of these before you begin using any of the products on your skin.Allergic ReactionsThe most common acne treatments potential side effects come under the heading of allergic reactions. There are many ingredients used in acne treatments, some of which are natural and some of which are synthetic but all of which have the potential to cause some form of allergic reaction. It could manifest itself in a number of ways, including a rash, hives, painful boils and internal reactions such as a tight chest and fever. Of course, this depends on the ingredient that causes the reaction but the majority of reactions only occur in those with extremely sensitive skin. Acne treatments do go through clinical trials to make sure that they are safe, which should reassure you that potential side effects like this are extremely rare.Miracle CuresAnother of the potential side effects stems from the fact that not all acne treatments deliver the results they promise. This is not a side effect in itself but can cause the potential side effects if your disposition allows it to. Some acne treatments do not make any difference to your skin, but this can then cause stress. In terms of the potential side effects, this could indirectly make your acne worse because the stress can cause more acne than you had before! This is why it is important to choose the right one.Acne Treatments And Your SkinAcne treatments can have any number of potential side effects on your skin, aside from allergic reactions. It can cause redness, flaking, thinning and inflammation, amongst other things. However, this is less common than having an allergic reaction to it. However, it is also easier to get rid of the symptoms if they are visible to the naked eye. The exception to the rule is the thinning of the skin, which will not be immediately noticeable unless you are looking for changes in your skin. However, only a handful of people have this reaction.The Last WordAll of the above may sound a little scary when it comes to acne treatments and their potential side effects However, it is highly likely that you will experience any of the points outlined. Only a few people will ever experience these side effects so you should not let it put you off using them completely. Instead, you should just be a little more vigilant just in case.

Acne Treatment : Home Treatment for Acne - Clean is Good

The many people who suffer from acne usually treat it at home. The cases requiring medical treatment are a very small percentage of the whole. Since most acne is temporary and rarely more than an embarrassing nuisance, home treatment is usually effective. The need for over the counter acne medications has spawned a billion-dollar industry, especially in the United States. Scanning the shelves for OTC (over-the-counter) remedies, you'll find literally dozens of different brands, forms and prices in acne medication. None of these treatments or physician prescribed treatments will work immediately; even the best treatment for acne requires some patience!The best treatment for acne is preventative as well as pro-active. A good, regular cleansing routine will treat existing acne and prevent most outbreaks by keeping pores clear of dirt, grime and oils that clog them and cause acne infections. Astringents are also good cleansers but should be used with care. Because they dry up the oil on your face, you use them more sparingly than a good cleanser. If used too frequently, astringents can cause your skin to signal for more oil production and result in even oiler skin and more acne. One of the best astringents you can use is witch hazel. It's a natural plant-based substance and costs a fraction of commercially manufactured astringents.When an outbreak occurs, there are many medicines you can buy and make to treat it at home. The most common ingredient in most OTC topical creams and lotions is benzoyl peroxide, one of the top five recommended substances to treat acne. It reduces bacteria on the skin but doesn't cause the bacteria to become resistant. Benzoyl peroxide drains the acne lesions as well as being an anti-inflammatory. It's the preferred method of treating mild to moderate acne. You can find it in creams, lotions, gels and facial cleansers. Its anti-inflammatory qualities will often relieve the soreness of the infected area. It can discolor clothing so care should be taken when using it. Very rarely does anyone suffer side effects but if you experience burning, redness, itching or swelling after you've applied it contact a physician immediately. There are a number of home remedies you can make from common kitchen staples to soothe irritated skin. Apple cider vinegar is the most effective of these. Simply apply it to the affected areas, leave for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Since it's a natural substance, it will not upset the pH balance of your skin and will leave it soft and smooth. It lessens irritations to the acne lesions as well as cleansing and disinfecting, accelerating healing time.Whatever else you do to treat your acne at home, do not ever pop your pimples! This will spread bacteria over the rest of your face and cause more outbreaks, as well as worsening the infection in the pimple you've broken. The worse the infection is, the higher the probability of a scar. If the lesion does break open or you just can't resist popping it, apply Neosporin or its generic equivalent immediately and every few hours until the skin heals.

The Causes Of Acne - Try The Proactive Acne Approach

The aim of this article is to provide you with information and facts about the following, and show you that by being proactive, acne will improve:1. The number of people who suffer from acne.2. Exactly what acne is.3. The causes of acne.4. Being proactive, acne improves .How Many Acne Sufferers Are There?Acne is one of the most widespread skin diseases in the United States today. It is quite a scary statistic that over 80% of young Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 will be affected by acne, and for some unlucky souls it will last long into adulthood meaning an increased risk of permanent skin scarring. This need not be the case, by adopting a proactive acne approach towards your condition, you can minimize the risks of acne scarring.One statistic in particularly that troubles health care professionals is the 40% of acne sufferers who will never seek treatment or any help for their acne - that equates to over 20 million US citizens!What is Acne?Acne is a very common non-discriminatory skin condition that can affect people of any age and of any skin type. The condition typically manifests itself in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, greasy skin, spots that are usually red or yellow and can be filled with pus, and skin scarring.Generally acne will start around the time of puberty, and for most sufferers, it has disappeared by the time they reach their late teenage years or early twenties - some sufferers will find that their acne will remain well beyond their early twenties as mentioned above, and it's these patients that are most at risk from permanent acne scarring.The majority of people will suffer nothing more than a few spots on the face, arms, neck, cheat and back - though even a small amount of acne can cause severe psychological problems for the acne sufferer. More serious cases can cause the patient to suffer embarrassment and severe depression which will affect their quality of life greatly.What causes acne?The medical profession isn't entirely sure what the root cause of acne is, although it does have a good understanding of what causes the various skin eruptions - it is this understanding that has enabled the development of some very successful acne treatments.From our understanding of acne as it is today, we know that within our skin we have millions of tiny little glands (sebaceous glands) that produce a substance called sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that is an essential part of the hair growth cycle and is found anywhere on the body where hair is needed. For some reason, it appears that the sebaceous glands of acne patients are overly sensitive to normal levels of testosterone, and that sensitivity causes the sebaceous glands to produce very high levels of sebum which clogs up the pores causing spots and blackheads etc..At Home TreatmentsNot all acne sufferers will need to consult a doctor or dermatologist about their condition, their symptoms will be quite mild and, by being proactive, acne acne improves and they will cope well on products that they buy over the counter.If you are one of these 'lucky' people, find a treatment that suits your skin and stick with it - you must use your treatment every day even when your acne is clear, this will help prevent further breakouts.