You have probably heard that acne is caused by drinking too many sodas, eating too much chocolate, and dirty skin, but this is untrue.
Acne is actually caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells, oil, bacteria, and overactive oil glands in the skin, which leads to irritation, redness, and swelling in the pores.
When your hormones become active during puberty, oil glands become stimulated.
This is the reason most people develop acne in their teenage years.
Acne is partially hereditary and genetic, so if your relatives had or has acne, it is more probable that you will develop it too.
There isn't any guaranteed way to put off or stop acne, but these tips can help decrease the severity and amount of your breakouts: You need to wash your skin, and this is crucial because it helps eliminate dead skin cells and excess surface oils that clog pores and cause acne.
Don't wash your face too much or it can over dry your skin and irritate existing acne.
Always wash after getting sweaty or as soon as possible, as sweat will clog pores and make acne worse.
When using any skin products, those products that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, this means they won't clog pores.
Keep hair products off your face because some of them contain oils that will cause acne to get worse.
If you get acne on areas such as your back or chest, don't wear tight clothes because they can irritate your skin and acne.
Sometimes acne treatment is as simple as finding the right over the counter (OTC) product that works to help clear acne.
One of the best and most effective acne fighting OTC product is one that contains benzoyl peroxide.
Another great acne fighting product, is one that contains salicylic acid, which can help dry up pimples.
If OTC products won't work for you, you should see a doctor for treatment and advice.
A doctor will find the treatment and medication that is right for you.
He may prescribe you special creams, gels, pills, or both.
When taking a prescription medication for acne, finish all your prescription.
You need to do this even if your skin gets clear, unless the doctor tells you to quit.
Stopping too soon, will increase the chances of your acne breaking out again.
Always remember that popping or squeezing a pimple only makes them worse.
Squeezing can push infected material and pus further into the skin, which can lead to more redness, swelling, and even scarring that can be permanent.