We all know what acne looks like, but do you actually know what acne is?

Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum and the overabundance of blocked pores, which means that the sebum has nowhere to release naturally. When the sebaceous glands get blocked, a pimple pops up due to the inflammation. Oily skin is more prone to blockages, which is why people with oily skin generally have more acne. This also explains why people commonly get acne on their faces, upper chest, and back; these parts of the body have more sebaceous follicles and are more prone to getting oily.

Why are adolescents most prone to acne?
Male sex hormones are responsible for triggering the sebaceous gland, and during male and female adolescence, the male sex hormone goes a bit haywire.

How can I treat my acne without turning to meds?
This depends on the case. Before you turn to any drugs, you may want to try changing your diet. A lot of times certain foods can be responsible (like fatty foods or dairy products), and sometimes a food allergy can trigger a breakout. Also, cleaning and exfoliating your skin with a gentle cleanser will help keep pores clean and can prevent them from getting clogged. Some people find chiropractic or acupuncture helpful as well.

How do I choose an acne drug that will work?
Most teenagers start out with an antibiotic or a topical cream like Retin-A. If your acne is serious, especially if you suffer from adult acne, you may want to try something more dramatic, like Accutane, a very successful drug on the market today. Many women find that their acne problems are hormonal – that they are related to their menstrual cycle. If that’s the case, you may want to try an oral pill control pill like Yasmin, which will help clear up your skin.

Fedora is a natural health and beauty specialist. To read more of her tips and advices visit her at fedorazine.com.