Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by what you eat or drink or even by dirty skin. Rather, it is the result of overactive oil glands in the skin, which lead to inflammation of the pores.

The reason acne first appears during the teen years is because oil glands go into overdrive when hormones are released during puberty. It is also true that acne is genetic, which means that if others in your family had acne when they were young, you are far more likely have it yourself.

But acne is not a rare condition. In fact, more than eighty-five percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 will experience an acne breakout. However, that doesn’t mean that people with acne aren’t embarrassed by it and won’t do everything they can to get rid of it. After all, your teen years are confusing enough without having to worry about your complexion twenty for hours a day.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to prevent acne, but there are ways to help reduce breakouts.

Washing

Washing your face is essential. It removes excess oils and dead skin that can clog your pores. But washing too often can actually hurt your skin by causing over drying, which will irritate your acne and may lead to more breakouts. So be sure to only wash once or twice a day with a gentle soap or cleanser.

You must also remember to wash after exercise. The sweat and dirt that accumulates during workouts (especially if they are outdoors) can clog your pores and cause additional breakouts.

Skin Products

If you use skin care products like lotions, moisturizers or even makeup, you should check to see if they are noncomedogenic, which means that they will not clog your pores. Another common acne exasperating culprit is hair care products. In fact, many styling gels and sprays contain oil that will make acne worse and may cause more breakouts. So if you must use them, make sure that you keep them away from your face and skin.

Clothes

If you have acne breakouts in areas other than your face, you should steer clear of tight clothing, which can rub and chaff and cause further irritation.

Treatment

One of the hardest things about having acne is trying to find a treatment that works for you. Some acne sufferers can get by with inexpensive over-the-counter products like Oxy or Stridex, while others find them overly harsh. These products often contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that help to remove oils and essentially dry up pimples. They are available in different strengths but often use the same inexpensive ingredients.

But when over-the-counter products don’t work for you, it may be time to see a doctor. A licensed dermatologist can prescribe pills, gels, or creams that are specially suited for your skin type. Oftentimes, the doctor will begin with mild medications and either increase the dosage or switch to a stronger medication if the treatments have been unsuccessful.

In the end, the best thing to do to control your acne break outs is to find a medication that works well for you. This may mean consulting a dermatologist and taking prescription medication. It all depends on you and how uncomfortable your acne makes you. If you are a person who insists on having perfect skin all the time and go crazy when a pimple surfaces it is probably a good idea that you see your doctor. But if you someone who doesn’t mind a pimple or two and does not have overly sensitive skin, over-the-counter medication might be best for you.