Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring.

Types of Acne

Whiteheads
Blackheads
Papules
Pustules and Nodules
Cysts
Teen Acne
Adult Acne
Rosacea

Treatment of Acne

Creams and Gels :- Lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Benzoyl peroxide also has an antibacterial action. Together, these effects make it harder for pores to become blocked and for infection to develop.

Facial Masks :- Facial masks can be a great addition to your basic skin care regimen by offering extra deep cleaning and exfoliation to troubled skin.A good facial mask can act to keep even the most troubled skin clean and clear, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Topical Treatments :- This helps reduce the small infections in the pores, and also indirectly keeps the pores open.

Home treatment :- It's important to keep spot-prone areas clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with an un-perfumed cleanser.

Important Points to remember:

Treatment is available that can prevent acne scarring.
Early treatment minimizes the severity of acne.
Treatment may last for months and often years.
You should understand that improvement can be slow.

Selecting Acne treatment depends on the following:

The severity of your acne
Your goals for therapy
The effectiveness of the treatment and possible side effects
Your personal preferences
Other circumstances specific to girls and women.

Acne myths

Stress causes acne. The ordinary stress of day-to-day living is not an important factor in acne.
Acne is related to diet.In other words, food does not cause acne. Not chocolate. Not french fries. Not pizza.
Washing your face more often will help clear up acne.Facial blemishes are not caused by dirt
The sun will help get rid of acne. The sun is a short-term band-aid which will often bite back with more acne in the weeks following exposure.

Some Helpful hints for acne sufferers

Drink plenty of water: at least eight glasses a day.
Make sure your face is cleansed at least twice a day, particularly after perspiring.
Only use makeup and moisturizers that are non-comedogenic. Only buy products that state this fact.
Clean cosmetic brushes and makeup pads with soapy water twice a week.
Avoid touching your face during the day. Your hands are full of debris and bacteria that can aggravate your condition.
Always remove makeup before going to bed.
Make sure your pillowcases are changed at least every few days.
Always use a clean washcloth / towel each time you wash / dry your face.
Avoid resting your face on the telephone. Clean it with an alcohol pad.