Acne is a disorder of the skin that causes it to be spotted, even disfigured, by pimples, blackheads, and red swellings, or cysts. Often it is more than a passing discomfort that lasts a few months; it is a serious skin disorder. People of all ages can be afflicted with it, but teenagers suffer the most.

What Causes Acne?

Sebaceous (skin) glands - small, sack-shaped glands that releases oily (fatty) liquids onto the hair follicle. Normally the oil would drain out through a pore of the skin, but sometimes a pore gets clogged and the oil cannot get out quickly enough. The clogged pore now forms a blemish called a blackhead because the trapped oil oxidizes, dries, and turns black.

If the pore is so clogged that no air at all can get to it, then instead of a blackhead, a whitehead develops. A pimple develops when pus forms. Cysts are formed when germs breed in the backed-up oil. It is the cysts that leave permanent scars. Pimples do not scar unless they become infected because of squeezing or picking-so don’t squeeze or pick!

At this point I’ll highlight a few Self-Treatment Tips for Acne Sufferers. These are in no way exhaustive, but should serve as a good place to start.

• Estimate the severity of your case by counting the number of lesions: 10 or less, a mild case; 11 to 30, a moderate case; over 30, a severe acne problem
• Plan skin-care regimen to meet your special needs
• Don’t hesitate to use the
• Discuss matter with your pharmacist
• Wash affected parts gently with hands or soft washcloth
• Avoid any beauty products that cause aggravation-oil-based makeup makes skin oilier
• Trouble spots need extra attention
• Stick to your skin-care plan every day, even if results are slow.

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