Acne is very common during adolescence and can frequently continue into adulthood leading some people to feel that they are very lucky that they have never had it at all. Acne affects both males and females but since females do not produce as much of the androgen hormone as males, they are not usually afflicted so severely.

Acne is not an internal disease surfacing on the skin, but rather the result of androgen hormone production combined with excessive cellular keratinization, excessive oil production by the sebaceous gland and a bacterium called P. Acnes.

Scientific research has shown that it is not what we eat that causes acne although certain foods can aggravate it. Some foods that we handle can leave traces of oil on the hands this then helps the transfer of oils via our hands to the face, which may in turn aggravate any existing acne. In most cases acne is inherited so as a result, if one member of your has or had acne there is a strong chance you will develop it also.

Other factors that may aggravate acne are improper skin care, food allergies and other skin sensitivities, lack of vitamins (especially vitamin A), and insufficient acidity in the skin, the skin's PH helps control the bacteria population.

Severe acne maybe further aggravated by a person's psychological and emotional state and the anxiety of literally having to "face the world" with this problem. Well-informed acne sufferers though tend to cope rather better as they are more prepared and able to deal with these factors.

Since the over production of oil can aggravate acne, I often advised my clients to avoid oil-based beauty products. Acne usually appears on the face, back and neck and forms with the tell tale signs of the presence of comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads or milia).

Adult acne is a chronic condition requiring a regular routine of preventive maintenance to loosen oil plugs and acne causing bacteria that clog your pores.

It is common to see people very distressed that their acne has not quickly improved after having a consultation with their dermatologist or that the products that they were given did not give then the immediate expected results.

Treating acne can be very tricky. Sometimes a method used by one person may not give the same beneficial result to another. It is therefore essential that we find a treatment that will work for each individual.

I usually offer the following advice to my clients, as it will help with every case of acne.

Use a soft washcloth or just your hands to wash your face twice daily with a base cleanser in a gel form. Try a cleanser that contains salicylic acid as this helps loosen plugs of debris relatively gently.

Removing all make-up and washing your face before going to bed is of utmost importance alleviate your acne.

Scrubbing intensively to the affected areas to clean the pores can actually irritate and worsen your skin condition, so try to avoid this.

Apply an alcohol-free toner.

Avoid using cotton balls as these can leave filaments on your skin that might cause you further irritation.

Hydrate your skin, any skin specialist will tell you that hydration is essential.

Avoid touching your face with your hands if possible.

Never share cosmetic products with anyone else.

Keep your pores as clean as possible.

Do not pop or squeeze your pimples as this may cause infection or scarring.

Be careful not to rub too hard when washing or drying your face.

If you are desperate and want a quick fix try theses tips:

Hide your acne with a water based make-up, this is fine provided you thoroughly wash it off at night with cleanser.

Use a flesh-tinted acne lotion.