This is a very common skin condition that happens to almost anyone.

This is a skin condition which happens when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

This will then result in whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. It usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, chest, shoulders, and back.

This is very common to happen to anyone, however, it is most common among teenagers.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S. Although acne isn’t life-threatening, it can still cause pain and emotional stress.

This condition can range from mild to severe. Acne on the face can affect one’s self-esteem and lead to scarring when prolonged.

Your skin has pores that can be blocked by oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt.

If buildup happens, a pimple or zit may develop. Acne depends on the severity of your condition. If you have acne, you may notice white or black dots such as white heads and black heads.

• Whiteheads - these are closed under the surface of the skin.

• Blackheads - these are open at the surface of your skin.

• Pimples or pustules - these are small and red pimples that have pus in the tips.

• Papules are small and red bumps - these are small and red embossed bumps caused by inflamed hair follicles.

• Nodules - these are large and painful lumps on the surface of the skin

• Cystic lesions - these on the other hand, are painful lumps without inside and are found beneath the surface of the skin.

Acne occurs due to several factors such as:

Hair follicles gets blocked or clogged

The skin contains sebaceous glands which are attached to hair follicles.

These work by lubricating the hair and skin to stop it from entirely drying out.

It lubricates the skin and hair by producing the oily substance called sebum.

However, if you have acne, sebaceous glands will tend to produce excessive sebum. This will then mix with the dead skin cells which will create clogged pores.

If the plug follicles is close to the surface of the skin, it will bulge outward, making a Whitehead

.

On the other hand, if the plugged follicle is open to the skin, it will create a blackhead.

But when bacteria contaminates and infects the plugged or clogged follicles, it can cause what you call, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts.

Testosterone

Acne during teenage years or puberty is very common.

This is thought to be triggered by increased levels of hormones such as testosterone, which usually occurs during puberty.

Testosterone plays a big role in stimulating growth and development of a man’s sex organs as well as, maintaining bone and muscle strength in girls.

Increased levels of testosterone are said to cause sebaceous glands to produce more sebum than the skin needs.

Hereditary

Acne can be passed down from generation to generation. If acne runs in your family, especially if your parents have it, you are more likely to develop it too.

This is one of the most common reasons why people have acne.

Acne in women

This is true, women are more likely to develop acne than in men. This is due to the several hormonal changes that happen in a woman.

Menstruation — Some women get pimples whenever they’re about to get their periods.

Pregnancy — Some women experience acne during this time, usually on the first trimester of their pregnancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome – This hormonal condition can cause weight gain, cysts in the ovary, and acne.

Other possible triggers of an acne flare-up include:

Certain cosmetic products – Cosmetic products that are expired or contain harmful chemicals. This Is especially common for people with sensitive skin.

Certain medications — An example for these are steroid medication, lithium, and certain medications in treating epilepsy.

Smoking — This can contribute to acne in older people. Smoke in the air can definitely cause pores to react.

Pollution — This is one of the main factors why acne can happen. As mentioned before, clogged pores cause acne.

Pollution in the air can easily affect your skin especially when you are exposed to it for long periods. That is why there are facial cleansers and toners.

Treatments can be done at home with accessible ingredients. Natural remedies for acne are very popular in treating these problems.

Aloe Vera

This is found in the leaf of the aloe vera plant. This contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and symptoms of acne.

Since aloe vera contains a lot of water, it makes a great moisturizer, suitable for people who get dry skin from acne products.

A study involving the use of aloe vera gel and tretinoin cream for 8 weeks.

The participants involved in the study reported a significant reduction in both the inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne compared to people who used tretinoin gel (common OTC acne treatment).

Green Tea

This contains high concentrations of polyphenol antioxidants called catechins.

It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties which are shown to improve acne and oily skin.

Antioxidants help the body break down chemicals and waste products that may damage the cells. Green tea will help reduce the waste buildup on open pores.

It can also help reduce acne and sebum production. A study involving people with blackheads and whiteheads to try green tea extract on their skin.

After applying green tea extract on their skin for 8 weeks, they have reported that there was a 70-80 percent reduction in acne.

Jojoba Oil

This is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub.

The compounds of jojoba oil may help reduce skin inflammation, making it good for reducing swelling, and redness around pimples, whiteheads, and lesions.

A study involving 133 people to try clay face masks with jojoba oil. People have reported 54 percent improvement in their skin and acne.

You can do this remedy by mixing jojoba essential oil with a gel or cream, or even a face mask, and directly apply it on your acne.

Or, you can place a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton ball and rub gently over the acne sores.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is defined as the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells.

This is believed to improve skin and reduce acne because as it removes the dead skin cells, your skin will regenerate new skin cells, which is why your skin looks healthy and bouncy after exfoliating.

A study showed that microdermabrasion (method of exfoliation), to improve the skin’s appearance.

An easy exfoliating remedy includes only sugar and coconut oil. Start by mixing equal parts sugar or salt with equal parts of coconut oil.

Scrub the mixture gently around the face or skin, then rinse it thoroughly.