No matter where in life you are now, as an adult or as a teen, dealing with acne was not, and is not fun. While 80% of teens suffer from acne ranging from mild to severe, acne skin care is usually a topic of interest to anyone who has suffered from it. Whether you decide to go 'au naturel' or with a well-known major cosmetic company's latest, biggest anti-acne product ever, there are a few things to address before you tackle any acne problem.

First, understanding what acne is and how you get it is the first step toward acne defense and skin care. Acne is common and is caused by flare-ups of blackheads, pustules, and pimples anywhere on the face, neck, and sometimes backs of people afflicted with the skin condition. While some people suffer mild forms of acne, especially those living in dry, arid areas, others, living in moist or humid locations, may experience moderate to severe conditions. Can acne get worse? Sure. Sometimes, women's monthly cycles seem to cause periodic eruptions of acne, which fade, or merely return to a more dormant state. Some medications can cause acne, or make existing acne conditions worse. Overweight teens and adults seem to have more case of acne flare-ups than those maintaining normal weight ranges, and above all, stress can exacerbate any skin condition, especially acne.

Many people find the use of vitamins and natural supplements helps their acne, as does a nutritional, well balanced diet that consists of at least five servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit each day. Avoiding fried foods seems to help lessen outbreaks, as does staying away from refined sugars and oils. Sometimes, certain foods can aggravate acne, such as chocolate, soda, shellfish and wheat or milk products, though this is not something that everyone will experience.

Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help keep skin hydrated and plump, and allow the body to flush out unwanted waste products. Massaging the face at least once a day will help invigorate skin cells and promote blood flow, which seems to help lessen flare-ups, as does a reduction of the amount of stress teens and adults experience on a daily basis. Winding down at the end of the day with yoga or light exercise sessions works wonders not only for the skin but other body organs as well.

For those needing something a little stronger, visit your dermatologist to determine what kind of skin care regimen he or she suggests for you. Whether you undergo light treatments or begin taking medications, always ask questions and don't be afraid to ask if you can supplement any treatment plan with vitamins, minerals, herbs or other homeopathic remedies. Remember that just because something is natural doesn't mean it won't affect prescription medications, so always inform your doctor if you want to try something in conjunction with the treatment he recommends for your acne problem.

In most cases, teen acne will disappear as hormone production levels return to a 'normal' state, but for those who just can't wait, there are natural and prescription options open to you. Never self-diagnose, but always visit your primary physician or schedule a visit with your local dermatologist to get an expert's advice on your individual acne problem.