Many people will refer to it as pimples, spots or just zits...
but the medical term is acne.
Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood.
Treatments vary from strong drugs to quick homemade acne remedies.
Acne develops as a result of blockages in oil pore follicles.
Propionibacterium acnes (P.
acnes) is the anaerobic bacterium that causes acne.
Acne is the visible end result of hormonal, bacterial and inflammatory disturbances that take place around the oil pore.
It is frequently seen as red spots and pustules around the face but can also cover the back, neck, shoulders and chest.
Acne sufferers often have low self-esteem, are insecure and some even avoid social contact because of their condition.
One result of severe acne is scarring of the skin, which can persist even after the red spots have long since gone.
Acne is now recognized as a medical condition, not a "phase you're going through".
Traditional treatments include: reducing sebum production, reducing bacteria on the skin, reducing the inflammation, exfoliation (peeling of the skin which unclogs pores; removes dead skin cells and debris), and hormone-based treatments.
Treatments for acne include medicines and creams containing various antibacterial agents.
Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of many types of treatment-days later in the case of topical applications, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics.
Treatment will therefore typically have to continue until the person reaches their 20s.
This has led many people to seek quick homemade acne remedies.
To reduce bacteria on the skin try using tea tree oil.
This strong natural antibacterial agent is found in many products on the shelves of health food shops and drug stores.
It is also available as a 100% pure essential oil from aromatherapy suppliers.
A quick piece of advice that won't cost you anything is to stop touching your face.
We all have a lot of bacteria on our hands and especially around our fingernails.
These can be transferred to our faces.
Many of us touch our faces with out even realizing it.
Establishing a good skincare regime is a good way to combat acne naturally.
Using a gentle exfoliant will help to remove dead skin cells and prevent them from becoming trapped in the oil pores.
Then use of a natural astringent such as witchhazel, will further help prevent the pores from becoming clogged.
The relationship between food and acne is still not entirely clear.
Research has shown that avoiding high glycemic index food (such as soft drinks, sweets, white bread) helps acne sufferers in the clearing of the skin.
Further research is necessary to establish guidelines for healthy eating.