It doesn't matter whether you're a boy or a girl puberty is a really awkward time. Not only does your body change and develop, acne becomes a regular occurrence. If you're lucky you will only have a few breakouts here and there that can easily be treated or concealed with makeup. If you're unlucky your acne problem will be frequent and severe leaving you wondering if you will ever outgrow it; the hope that someday you'll have the clear skin you've always wanted. The good news is that by the time you reach your late teens acne will become a thing of the past. The bad news is that some of you will still have acne even as adults although people who suffer adult acne are quite rare.

So what causes acne and what can you do to treat it? Those are two good questions right there folks. Acne is caused when the pores on your face get clogged by dirt and oil. When these pores become clogged they get infected and once this infection gets bad enough this is what causes your acne. Heredity (things you inherit from your parents), in some instances, causes acne to appear more often than usual while in other people it has to do with personal hygiene and diet(usually a combination of bad habits with both of these). The best news is that acne can be treated and usually very successfully.

Acne treatment should actually start before the first blemish pops up on your face. It's a good habit to wash your face several times a day with a facial cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type. You might suffer from dry skin or be one of those people with an oily complexion so be on the lookout for products designed with that in mind. Picking the wrong type could lead to more breakouts - which is the last thing you want. It's also a good idea to look for products that are non-abrasive and won't irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you have a good cleanser and still get acne look at what you are eating. Are you a fan of fried foods? Do you eat a lot of sugary or junk foods? Chances are your diet isn't helping the situation with your skin. Make a few small changes to your diet and see if that helps the acne situation get better. Fruits and vegetables might not be your favorite foods but your skin will thank you and your acne will clear up. Drinking a healthy amount of water every day is another good idea. This will help your body detoxify itself which can help with skin problems of all kinds.

Of course, some teens will still have severe acne regardless of what they do at home to treat it. If that's the case a trip to the doctor is your best bet. Modern science has given dermatologists several acne fighting drugs and ointments that aren't available without a prescription. One or a combination of these products can help to fight current breakouts and help to keep them from reappearing later.