There is no one amongst us who has not faced the frustrating problem of skin acne at some point of time in our lives. However we have managed to survive it too, and that is all that eventually matters.

When you think of skin acne, you usually think of a shy, self conscious teenager, trying desperately to fight the problem off. What most people don’t know is that these pimples and whiteheads can erupt at any age. Children have been known to have acne, as have adults in their later thirties and early forties.

What causes Acne?

There might be several reasons why one might have skin acne. It can happen due to hormonal changes in the body, use of certain drugs, like steroid, excessive use of make-up or oily cosmetic products, and even stress.

The most typical cause is the clogging of the pores of the skin. The skin has pores which open into what is called the follicle. The follicle contains oil glands and hair. The major function of the follicles is to produce enough lubrication to keep the skin moisturized.

Sometimes, it may happen that too much oil is produced by the gland. The pores become blocked, while the oil starts accumulating and attracting dirt, debris, grime and bacteria. This kind of blockage can lead to the formation of white heads or blackheads.

Symptoms of Acne

There are two kinds of skin acne – inflamed and non-inflamed. The symptoms vary depending on the kind of affliction you have.

Non-inflamed acne is rarely painful and is characterized by bumpiness of the skin. The eruptions may not be visible on the surface but, the skin feels rough and has a slightly uneven texture. Typically, there are blackheads and whiteheads, which do not appear to be very serious.

Inflamed acne, on the other hand can be quite painful and the symptoms include skin swelling, irritation on the skin, redness, and scabbing or oozing of the skin lesions. This kind of acne requires more treatment and usually takes longer to disappear.

Acne Medication

There are several over-the-counter treatments and medication available for the skin acne. The most popular ones are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulphur creams and lotions. They are applied on to the skin and work by killing the pimple causing bacteria, and drying the oil secreted by the skin.

If you find these measures to be ineffective, you need to consult a dermatologist. He will be able to prescribe stronger and more relevant medication for you. In severe cases, he may even suggest surgical treatment like draining or removing the cysts in your skin and scar removal by dermabrasion.

Prevention of Acne

Can you prevent skin acne? Not entirely. However there are some tips you can keep in mind to lessen their occurrence.

• Wash your face regularly in a day, at least two times, if possible, and more if you are the kind who has a field job.

• Use a face wash that are made especially to prevent the appearance of pimples. It should not be too strong, or contain too many chemicals. Do not over wash as it causes the skin to dry up, leading to the production of more oil by the glands.

• Wash your hair daily. Tie it up in a way that it doesn’t fall on your face.

• If you wear make-up, remove it before you go to sleep. Avoid using very greasy products for your skin. It’s better to use water based products.

• Avoid touching your face with dirty hands. Before you apply anything on your face, make sure that your hands are squeaky clean.

• Protect your skin adequately before walking out into the harsh sun or intense heat.