Acne vulgaris, or what we commonly refer to as just acne, or zits and pimples, is something that affects people of every race and every gender. People worldwide suffer from the common skin ailment that is typically known to plague teenagers. Acne can be moderate to severe, typically found on the face, neck, back, and chest; and it can cause issues both socially and emotionally for adolescents. Even some adults continue to suffer from acne. While the most common cause of acne is heredity, there are many other factors that can increase the possibility of acne.

In addition to heredity, hormones are one of the leading causes of acne. Upon adolescence, children begin producing the hormones necessary to activate their reproductive systems. These hormones rapidly increase during this stage of life, leaving behind the somewhat embarrassing pimples. Some acne outbreaks can also be attributed to bacteria that have clogged pores on the skin, just as exposure to some chemicals and steroids can cause a reaction very similar to acne on the skin. Certain foods can cause allergic reactions too, that present themselves in the forms of acne.

Although not proven, there are some other possible causes of acne, including diet. For instance, many believe chocolate causes acne, whereas science does not support that idea. However, it is suggested that junk food may contribute to acne. Stress is also considered a possible cause of acne. While this cause has also not yet been proven, studies do show that acne outbreaks generally coincide with higher stress levels. Whether or not it was the stress that actually caused the acne has yet to be determined.

There are various treatment options for those dealing with acne. Even though there are numerous types of cream on the market claiming to get rid of acne, the truth is, many of them don’t work. If the creams do seem to work, often they are not as effective as advertised. In fact, some can actually cause harm to the skin. There are different medicines that can be prescribed, and while they work for some, they may not work for others.

One easy thing you can do to try and prevent and control acne is to watch your diet. By creating healthy recipes using the top 25 healthy foods, you may find a change in your skin easily. Also, having a good amount of water intake will keep your skin looking healthier. Avoiding junk food is a good idea as well. Furthermore, good hygiene is important to help control acne. Keeping your skin clean so your pores don’t get clogged is an easy way to try and prevent the blemishes from occurring.

Some acne simply cannot be controlled. However, for many teenagers and even some adults suffering from annoying pimples, there are ways to minimize the outbreaks. If you are truly concerned about your situation, it never hurts to talk to a doctor, if for nothing else to be reassured acne is a normal phase of life.