What Causes It?

Acne usually begins at puberty and may continue for many years. Teenagers get acne as the body matures and produces hormones that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands to make more sebum or oil. Sebum lubricates the skin. Sebaceous glands within the hair follicles or pores become plugged when oil secretion occurs faster than the oil and skin cells can exit the pores. Sometimes the plug causes the wall of the pore to rupture causing redness, swelling, and pus. Plugged oil glands may form blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are not caused by dirt; rather there are bacteria that normally lives on the skin and thrives on the sebum produced by oil glands. Sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause inflammation and acne.

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle skin cleanser to prevent oil build-up.
• Do not scrub your face with a harsh washcloth or sponge. Scrubbing may actually make it worse by irritating the skin. Try gentle cleansing with your hands.
• Topical astringents can be used to remove excess oil after cleansing.
• Don’t squeeze, scratch, or pick the lesions. This can leave tiny, permanent scars on your face.