There is a condition of the skin that can affect many parts of the body called acne. The most prevalent areas that are affected include the face, chest, back and neck.

Acne is caused when pores of the skin become plugged with dead skin cells that mix with the oils of the skin. There is also a bacterial that lives in the oils of the skin, which can aggravate the problem.

Hormonal changes in the body seem to trigger acne. Therefore it is prevalent in teens, women at different parts of their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy or when starting or stopping birth control pills.  This is sometimes known as pregnancy acne or hormone acne.

If the affected area becomes infected can leave permanent acne scarring. Facial scaring may affect a person’s self confidence.

Many people may have recommendations of ways to treat acne. Some will work, while others will not. Over the counter products that contain benzyl peroxide are some of the most effective treatments available for teens. Daily use of an antibacterial facial cleanser may also help.

Adults should avoid using benzyl peroxide, and the preferred over the counter treatments for adults contain salicylic acid.

When you have an outbreak of acne, avoid touching, squeezing, scratching or picking at the skin which is already irritated. This increases the likelihood of infection and more scaring.

If over the counter products are not clearing up the acne problem, you should see your doctor or a dermatologist. They may decide to prescribe an antibiotic to be taken as directed. This will help to keep down possible infection and prevent further scaring.

While it is not always possible to prevent outbreaks of acne, there are steps that can be taken that will lessen the chances of permanent scaring. While these steps may seem like a hassle in an already busy teen’s life, in the long run this preventative care will be worthwhile for the rest of your life.