1. What is acne?

It is a very common skin infection caused by excess oil produced by your sebaceous glands. The pores of your skin become blocked up with this excess oil -- plus dead skin cells. In this condition your skin become a great breeding ground for bacterial infections which results in pus-filled lumps on your face.

2. When does acne start?

It usually starts when puberty sets in, but it can last well into your adult years.

3. What causes acne?

It is commonly believed that hormonal surges during puberty bring on the onslaught of acne.

4. Is it expensive to wage war on acne?

It certainly can be costly to try to get rid of persistent pimples. However, there are a number of home remedies that you can do for yourself that don't cost very much at all -- such as being persistent about keeping your face scrupulously clean and eating wholesome foods instead of junk food. When it comes to dealing with acne, you will find that many of the treatments can be quite effective -- but they come at a price.

5. What types of over-the-counter acne products are available?

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when someone is suffering from persistent acne. As a result, different types of products have been developed. For example, some products specialize in attacking the infection caused by bacteria. Other products pack a fourfold punch -- removing infection, dealing with the excess oil production, removing dead cells plus trying to camouflage the damage caused by pimples popping out all of your face.

You might want to give ProActiv a try. It's a popular over-the-counter product and is expensive, but you might find that the expenses worth it if it works for you.

6. How hard is it to find an acne treatment that actually works for you personally?

Most people can be helped by the various kinds of acne treatments available, but you have to be persistent as you are searching for just the right remedy for you. That's because when you choose a new project, you have to give it a good try and that may take a few weeks to see if the cream or lotion you choose works for you.

7. Can food allergies cause acne?

They can and do, so you should be on the lookout to see if any of your favorite foods activate pimple breakouts and then eliminate those foods if they do.

8. How helpful is it to seek medical care if you are suffering from acne?

One of the best actions you can take to clear up acne is to go to a dermatologist. There are certain medicines that only a doctor can prescribe and one of them may work for you. For example, Accutane although expensive, may work and be worth the expense. Don't forget to be on the lookout for side effects though which you should discuss with your doctor before taking Accutane.

Another acne remedy that your doctor might suggest is Retin-A. It not only can help acne, but it can help improve wrinkles, skin discolorations and scars.

9. What if your face has already been scarred from fighting your war against pimples?

If you often put your fingers on your pimples or squeeze them or pick them, you will probably scar your face. And these scars can be permanent as well as disfiguring. To prevent further scarring, keep your fingers away from your face.

Removing scars can be expensive but well worth it in the long run. You may need to seek the services of a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. There are a number of techniques that have been developed that actually work to remove embarrassing and disfiguring scars.

Don't be discouraged if you don't seem to be making any headway in your battle with pimples because help is available. Be persistent as you seek for an acne solution that works for you. The results will be well worth it.