Acne is a condition that affects the skin's oil glands. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows.

Most pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not a serious health threat but, it can cause scars.

     Acne is the most common skin disease. People of all races and ages get acne. But it is most common in teenagers and young adults. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point. Some people in their forties and fifties can still get acne.

     If you have very oily skin and hair, you can talk to your doctor about prescriptions to reduce the body’s oil output.  There are also good cleaning products available over the counter and by prescription with your dermatologist.

Here are some ways to care for skin if you have acne:

     Clean skin gently. Use a mild cleanser in the morning, evening, and after heavy workouts. Scrubbing the skin does not stop acne. It can even make the problem worse.

     Try not to touch your skin. People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their pimples can get scars or dark spots on their skin.

     Shave carefully. If you shave, you can try both electric and safety razors to see which works best. With safety razors, use a sharp blade. Also, it helps to soften your beard with soap and hot water before putting on shaving cream. Shave lightly and only when you have to. I have found that shaving with hair conditioner works best for me.

     Stay out of the sun. Many acne medicines can make people more likely to sunburn. Being in the sun a lot can also make skin wrinkle and raise the risk of skin cancer.

     Choose makeup carefully. All makeup should be oil free. Look for the word “noncomedogenic” on the label. This means that the makeup will not clog up your pores but some people still get acne even if they use these products.

For more information visit http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/default.asp