Acne is a very is a very common skin condition that affects around 80% of adolescents. Caused by the inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous (oil producing) glands of the skin, this condition usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years.

Acne occurs when the skin's hair follicles are blocked by sticky cells that are not being shed normally, trapping the sebum (a body oil) produced by the adjacent sebaceous glands. The blocked oil-filled follicle then promotes multiplication of the bacteria normally present in the hair follicles. This ultimately triggers pimple, blackheads or whiteheads and even cystic pimple formation.

There are treatments designed to prevent formation of new lesions and aid in the healing of the old ones. Acne can be treated with the following:

Washing your face with this help "empty" comedones because it can cause shedding of the outer layer of the skin. But since it is an acid, we should be very careful in avoiding the eyes, lips, inside the nose, genital and anal areas. That's why it is always wise to use it according to the instructions of your health care provider or the packaging.

These medications are applied to the skin as a thin film. They dry and peel the skin, fight the growth of bacteria and help clear blocked follicles. It is recommended that you don't use any abrasive, harsh or drying soaps and cleansers as these will just dry your skin further.

Cleaning your skin should be done gently but thoroughly with soap and water removing all dirt and excess makeup. Wash as often as needed to control oiliness of the face; use a clean washcloth all the time as bacteria loves to thrive in damp and dirty washcloths.

Use steam or warm, moist compresses to open clogged pores. Heat makes the skin open thus helping your facial cleansers and medications reach the problem areas of your skin easily.

Wash or shampoo hair daily when possible. Since hair also gets to or brushes some part of your face it is always wise to keep your hair clean and away from your face by combing it or pulling it back from your face area. Doing this will lessen the incidence of infecting your pimples further.

Wrap a warm towel around your face before you shave, this will make your facial hair softer and always shave the way your hair grows so that you don't irritate or cut open your pimples.

Use only water based makeup. Don't use greasy or oily creams, lotions or makeup as these types of cosmetics are harder to remove and have a tendency to clog your pores.

Don't squeeze, prick or rub the lesion, these activities will just increase the damage.