Teens are frequent sufferers of common acne, which is usually caused by an excess secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands. Untreated, acne can become a condition that produces lifelong stress, lower self esteem, permanent scarring and infection.

Acne sufferers of any age may experience outbreaks on their face, chest, back, shoulders or arms.

When acne starts during the pre teen years it may be a harbinger of severe acne later in life. Treating acne early is important to preclude this from happening. It is also helpful in mitigating possible scarring and a loss of self esteem. Therefore, acne should not be ignored at any age

What causes acne?

The precise cause of acne is uncertain, but researchers attribute it to a variety of reasons such as :

•Hormonal changes associated with puberty in both boys and girls, pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills

•Genetic History- children of parents who were acne sufferers will frequently experience outbreaks as well

•Stress which often leads to a loss of self esteem.

•Over active sebaceous glands

•Accumulated dead skin cells.

•Bacteria

•Irritated skin or scratching that causes inflammation.

•Anabolic steroids.

•Drugs such as, lithium, or androgens.

•Exposure to chlorine compounds

•Cosmetics may cause follicles to stick to each other producing an acne outbreak.

How to Become Acne Free

A variety of treatment options are available.

Dermatologists often treat acne with very aggressive treatments. Antibiotics, prescriptive creams and medications may be prescribed. Additionally, doctors may utilize drainage techniques and acne surgery.

If these treatments are not recommended, there is the possibility of corticosteroid injections. The acne treatment that your doctor suggests will be based on the seriousness of your particular acne condition.

Due to the possible negative side effects of certain medications and treatments, lasers, light sources and heat based technologies have been recently introduced by high tech dermatology centers. However, more research and fine tuning of these procedures is still needed to produce success for a majority of patients.

If surgery, injections, and harsh aggressive treatments that may cause side effects are not your cup of tea, there are a variety of natural treatments that you can use which can help you become acne free and avoid the doctor's office while restoring your self esteem.