Acne

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A Definition for Acne
Acne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples that shows on the surface of the face, chest, and back. Its impressions show on the surface of the skin, but it actually lies beneath the surface of the skin. It occurs mainly when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and or bacteria.

A normal follicle looks like this:

Acne can show up as any of the following; clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, or cysts (deep pimples). These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, most times on the face, chest, and back. Acne is also widely known as zits. Acne can affect people from ages 10 through 40 and upwards.

Acnes showing blocked follicle

Resources

Acne
Diet
Balanced
Unbalanced Diet

You can do a lot for your acne if you only understand what causes it to happen and what really doesn't (despite what people tell you). Acne can be controlled and treated by prescriptions you can get at a drugstore or cosmetic counter without a prescription. For tougher cases, you should consult a physician.

Causes and symptoms
It is not yet known the exact cause of Acne. Many factors that contribute to Acne are known by scientist today:
• Age. Due to the hormonal changes they experience, teenagers are more likely     to develop acne.
• Gender. Boys have more severe acne and develop it more often than girls.
• Disease. Hormonal disorders can complicate acne in girls.
• Heredity. Individuals with a family history of acne have greater susceptibility to     the disease.
• Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up before menstruation, during pregnancy,     and menopause.
• Diet. No foods cause acne, but certain foods may cause flare-ups.
• Drugs. Acne can be a side effect of drugs including tranquilizers,                      antidepressants, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids.
• Personal hygiene. Abrasive soaps, hard scrubbing, or picking at pimples will         make them worse.
• Cosmetics. Oil-based makeup and hair sprays worsen acne.
• Environment. Exposure to oils and greases, polluted air, and sweating in hot        weather aggravate acne.
• Stress. Emotional stress may contribute to acne.