What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition caused by a build-up of oil produced by the oil glands. The excess in oil then gets trapped in the oil ducts of the skin, causing unsightly blemishes, commonly called whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. In some cases, the pores are so badly blocked that they form fluid-filled sacks deep underneath the skin. Acne most commonly occurs on those areas of the skin that contain the most oil glands, such as the face, chest, shoulders and back. Most cases of acne occur in teenagers or men and women in their twenties, but older adults and even children could also suffer from acne.

Causes of Acne

It is not exactly known what causes acne and why some people suffer from this excess production of oil and others don’t. However, there are a few potential risk factors that could make a person more likely to develop acne. These risk factors include:

• Hormones (hormonal imbalance or excess hormones)
• Bad diet
• Evolutionary biology
• Vitamin deficiency
• Stress and other lifestyle issues

In most cases, acne is caused by a complex combination of some or all of these factors.

Medical Solutions for Acne

In some cases, acne can be treated or at least drastically reduced without resorting to medication or chemical substances. A healthy, natural diet with fruit, vegetables and whole grains, coupled with plenty of fluids such as mineral water and juice, can go a long way in relieving some of the symptoms of acne. And for those people whose acne outbreaks are caused by a vitamin deficiency, a daily supplement may do the trick.

But for many acne sufferers these all-natural methods do not suffice. Instead, they rely on the wide range of anti-acne medication and treatments available on the market today. Invasive therapies, such as light therapy, injections or surgical procedures are an option for individuals suffering from severe or stubborn cases of acne.

However, most dermatologists will recommend a daily cleansing and exfoliating routine, coupled with an over-the-counter or prescription cream, gel or oral medicine. Effective examples of topical medications that are widely available are Retin-A Cream 0.03%, Retin-A Cream 0.05%, Retin-A Gel, Generic Differin and Azelaic Acid Cream. For more severe cases of acne, your doctor may prescribe you a daily oral medication, such as Isotretinoin or Generic Claravis.