Acne Vulgaris is the proper name for acne and it really fits, right? Vulgaris reminds me of the work vulgar which is how I feel when my acne breaks out. We all know that acne is a common skin condition that usually shows up during our teen years. Known as pimples, zits or even pizza face, it usually shows up on the face, but the rest of the body is not immune to this vulgar condition. While, unfortunately, this conditions usually appears in teens during adolescence, it can also show up in adults. It is found round the world and does not prefer mal or female, everyone is a target for acne without discrimination.



Acne shows up as lesions which break out on the skin. Whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts form from clogged pores. The reason that acne shows up during puberty is because it is at this time that the body's sebaceous glands start to over product oil due to hormone changes. This oily substance, called sebum, keeps your hair and skin soft and lubricated. However, excess sebum combines with dead cells to clog the pores which results in the red inflamed areas we know as acne. Excessive follicle cell production is another change that comes along with puberty. Because these dying cells build up quickly, they can combine with sebum which forms whiteheads. Because this mixture is a breeding ground for bacteria the result is redness and inflammation that show up as pimples.

Pimples usually appear in the 'T zone' of the face. This zone is the forehead, nose, and chin. Acne can also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Interestingly enough the next most common area for acne is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.

There are many different ways that your acne can be treated. The easiest treatment is to keep your face and the rest of your skin clean and oil free. Simply using a gentle cleanser once or twice a day will usually helps to keep acne in check. This is especially important after any activity that has made you sweat.

Mild and severe acne conditions can be treated by a dermatologist. Your doctor will know best what will be good for your acne treatment. The can prescribe ointments which are used directly on the skin as well as drugs like antibiotics which combat the bacteria which causes pimples.

Acne typically clears up by the time you are in your early 20s. But it is also not unusual for some acne to show up even in adults and sometimes acne shows up in adults who have never had it before.

Teenagers are particularly sensitive to how acne affects them emotionally. This is a difficult time anyway and adding anything that affects how they look can have severe emotional affects. Some people even start withdrawing from social activities and go into a depression. So please get help for your acne before it gets you down.