Is acne only limited to teenagers?

No, even though it may appear that way, and 75% of all teens are impacted by the condition, acne is very common among adults as well. In fact, roughly four-fifths of all people between ages 20 to 30 suffer from acne in one form or another. Children and infants can also suffer from the condition. Acne appears to be hereditary, and is liable to become worse during periods of hormonal imbalance.

What are the steps to treat acne?

Acne can be treated by over-the-counter or prescription medications, the former largely comprised of benzoyl peroxide-based products. Benzoyl peroxide helps to destroy the bacterium that is responsible for acne. Besides benzoyl peroxide, look for products that contain salicylic acid, a chemical that not only helps to eliminate acne, but reduce the appearance as well.

For those with serious acne, a dermatologist is your best bet. Besides having access to a wider range of creams and face washes, they can prescribe antibiotics to target the bacteria from the inside.

What causes acne?

Acne is caused when dead skin cells and oil become trapped within the hair follicle. When bacteria enter the mix, a pimple develops. Acne is caused by hormone imbalances, specifically androgens. Androgens prompt glands in the skin to secrete more oil, thus increasing your risk of a breakout.

Can acne be prevented?

Acne breakouts can be prevented, so here are some quick tips to achieve that goal:

• Use a skin cleanser daily
• Avoid products designed for “oily skin” or “oily hair”
• Exfoliate in the morning and night to get rid of blackheads and dirt
• Drink the recommended daily amount of water
• Don’t pop or “burst” pimples

How long before my outbreak will clear up?

When it comes to acne improvement, the two biggest factors are the consistency of your efforts and the underlying condition. Those with worse acne will take longer to see results, while those with a milder form of the condition can get away with less effort. So what time frame can you expect? In general, it takes roughly six months before a noticeable improvement.

In addition, remember that acne treatments are not the same for everyone. You will probably find yourself trying different treatments before settling on the most effective.