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It is difficult to determine the exact cause of acne. Doctors have postulated many different and varying causes. What they agree on however is the fact that, first, hormones are a big part in the appearance of acne. In a person's teenage years, male hormones called testosterones are often overproduced by the body, causing the body's sebaceous glands to generate more oil. Dead skin cells combine with the oil or sebum in the face clogging the pores and resulting to comedones (whiteheads) or blackheads. Later on, these can aggravate and become painful pimples.

Secondly, acne is also a genetic skin disorder. Studies show that if one of the parents have acne once in their life, three out of their four descendants will sure to have acne. Some medication, if use in large dosages can cause acne. Some people contend that acne is caused by an unhealthy diet and stress. However, this is not the case. There is no discernable connection between diet and acne, as well as stress. Acne forms in the skin and does not in any way connect to the greasy food that we eat.

Thirdly, stress and sleeplessness have also been considered culprits when it comes to acne but there also no medical truth to the myth. Doctors however advice people with acne to keep unhealthy eating, smoking and stress to a minimum level. These are considered acne aggravators and as such need to be controlled.

Acne can occur in children as early as newborn babies and as late as 60 years old. Prime outbreak years meanwhile occur early in a person's teenage years until the person's thirties. It's a matter of control when it comes to acne. Acne sufferers have to contend with the fact that acne can be controlled if not treated.

1. Follow directions. Over-the-counter-products can help you control acne and they contain ingredients that can stop acne before it becomes severe. Ointments, gels and powders containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids can help dry out pimples. However, follow the directions printed on the box. If used in larger dosages than necessary, it can cause scaling, burning and stinging and severe dryness which can only aggravate acne instead of helping ease it. Your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the number of bacteria as well as speed up the healing process of the open pimples preventing scarring in the process.

2. Keep your hands to yourself. Stop picking at your pimples or popping them out. This can do nothing but increase the scars on your face. Moreover, pus in the cysts or pimples can spread bacteria to other areas on your skin worsening your acne. Skin should be kept clean at all times.

3. Consult your doctor. A specialist (dermatologist) can help you better understand acne and its implications. They can also prescribe the right dosages for the medication required. If you can afford it, talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting laser treatment, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Your doctor can assess the extent of the acne and its damage and provide you with the proper treatment for it.