Facts about Acne

Facts about Acne
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Acne is a painful and often embarrassing skin condition. Contrary to popular belief, it can be seen in adults as well as teenagers. Teenage acne and adult acne are virtually the same. The only difference lies in the ages of the people who suffer from it. It can take the form of mild outbreaks, such as whiteheads and blackheads, or more severe blemishes and even lumps.

Generally, it occurs most frequently on the face and neck, typically showing up on the shoulders, back, chest, and upper arms as well. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring. Scarring can also occur if the bumps are prodded, picked at, or squeezed.

Causes of Acne

No one is one hundred percent sure what causes acne, beyond the fact that a person’s sebaceous glands produce too much oil. Excess hormones trigger them to produce the oil, which is also known as sebum.

This oil clogs the pores. Along with a mixture of dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and bacteria, this is what leads to pimples. When the pores are partially clogged, whiteheads result. Blackheads result from totally blocked pores. Pimples and lumps typically occur when an infection sets into the clogged pores.

However, why or how some people get acne while others do not is not known. Hormones are certainly to blame. There is also a belief that acne may be genetic. For instance, if one or both of a person’s parents have or had the skin condition, then he or she is also likely to get it.

Prevention of Acne

The key to preventing acne lies in keeping the skin properly cleaned. Left alone, the breakouts may clear up with time, but there is no guarantee. Sometimes, cleansing with soap and water will do, but one has to be careful not to scrub too hard. This exacerbates the breakouts and irritates the skin. Typically, over the counter cleansers offer the best line of defense.

Treatments of Acne

Most acne treatments contain one of two ingredients which have been effectively proven to clear up blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide is the favorite standard, found in most acne cleaners. Salicylic acid is another alternative. Because benzoyl peroxide can be somewhat abrasive, caution must be exercised when using treatments which contain it.

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