Acne is a skin condition wherein the pores of follicles of the skin are blocked. The oil which should have been coming out of the surface of the skin is blocked, along with the dirt and bacteria, causing pimples to grow.

Basically, there are two forms of blemishes which break out on the skin's surface: blackheads and whiteheads.

Whiteheads form when oil, dirt and bacteria are trapped below the surface of the skin. Blackheads, on the other hand, form when the trapped elements beneath the layer of the skin turn black because of melanin.

Either way, the exact cause of acne is relatively unknown. This is a common skin condition which affects most people, no matter what gender, skin color or age.

Acne is more common among adolescents but adults may also experience it.

Acne among teens may cause more of an emotional than a physical problem, because of the hormonal changes that they experience before being full-fledged adults. Thus, aside from the physical treatment of acne, you may also need some emotional support so that you will not experience a lowered self-esteem because of this skin condition.

Although facial acne is more widespread, it may also form on other parts of the body.

This being a common skin condition, there are several treatments and over-the-counter solutions which can help prevent acne.

'Who Else Wants to Have a Clear, Acne-Free Skin?'

There are a lot of options available for you if you have acne.

First, there is chemical peel which is a light and simple procedure that will literally peel off the superficial layer of the skin. There are several types of chemical peel, depending on your skin's needs.

There is also plastic surgery which can get rid of deep wrinkles, heavy skin pigmentation and a severe case of acne.

More commonly known are the over-the-counter acne kits which you can use at home to help prevent and finally get rid of those unsightly whiteheads and blackheads.

Zits, pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, no matter what you call them, acne is something that is foreign to your skin that you should get rid of.

Here is a quick guide on how you can fight acne and get that blemish-free look that you've always wanted to have:

1. Have an appropriate skin-cleansing regimen.

If you have been suffering acne for a long time and you finally run into a product that actually works for your skin type, keep using it.

The basic step is to cleanse and moisturize your skin. Use a mild cleanser which is most appropriate for your skin type. Use a medication with the basic benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

While applying the cleanser, do not rub vigorously or use a harsh wash cloth to prevent further skin irritation. After cleansing, use a good moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

2. Avoid touching the affected area.

The key is to keep your face as clean as possible, so you need to avoid touching your face with unclean hands. Also, never attempt to squeeze or pop out the zits to get rid of them. This will only worsen the condition of your skin.

3. Consult a dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments do not work for you or worsen the condition.

There are severe cases of acne which are better treated by consulting a dermatologist.

Finally, it would not hurt to maintain a healthy diet. By combining this with a daily cleansing ritual, you can keep your face acne-free and achieve that unblemished look.