Acne is probably one of the most common skin conditions in the world. In fact, it may not be an exaggeration to say that acne affects 100 percent of the population. Most people will be at least be affected by some mild form of acne at one point in life.

(Note: Acne need not affect only the face. It can appear on other parts of the body like the neck, shoulder, chest etc...

Unfortunately, even though acne is a very common problem, the solution to this problem is far from perfect. Acne is perhaps one of the trickiest conditions to treat. Why is that so?

Well, there are several reasons. First, it is hard to pin point what causes acne. There are many possible factors that can lead to the condition. Second, different people respond to different treatments. You may have the exactly the same condition as your friend but that does not mean both of you will respond equally well to the same treatment.

So, why do people with the same condition respond differently to the same treatment? Well, a probable reason is this. Even though both people may have the same condition, the causes that lead to the same condition may be different. That is why it is important to find out what is the cause of your acne.

Here are some potential causes of acne:

1)Changes in hormone level

Teenagers seem to be the favorite prey for acne. This usually occurs when a teenager is undergoing puberty. The change in hormone levels due to puberty may be a possible cause for acne.

In fact, these groups of people are also likely going to be affected by acne due to hormonal changes, namely infants and mid life women.

If you happen to be a parent and your baby is strike by acne, it is usually not a cause for concern as the acne will probably go away with time. For menopausal women, hormone therapy might help with the clearing of acne.

Of course, if unsure, always checked with a medical professional for the best advice. Do not attempt to self medicate as the result you get may be opposite of what you want.

2) Side effects of drugs

You may need to consume certain drugs to treat a condition. Some of these drugs may have side effects on the body. One side effect may be acne. If this is your situation, it is best to discuss with your doctor if there are other alternatives. Remember, do not stop taking the drug abruptly. It can be dangerous to stop taking those prescription drugs without medical advice.

3) Side effects of cosmetic

Sometimes, cosmetics can result in acne due to allergy, sensitive skin or other factors. Obviously, it will be best if cosmetic can be avoided but this advice is definitely not going to be popular with women.

So, the next best thing to do is to choose your cosmetic with care. Look for cosmetics that are dermatologist tested not to cause acne. Most probably, these cosmetics are going to be more expensive, but for the sake of protecting your skin, the price is definitely worth it.