What is Acne

Acne is a progressive disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin and effects over 80% of adolescents and many adults.  Acne is caused by overactive adolescent hormones that cause oil glands to over-secrete and clog. It is not caused by fast food, junk food, or soft drinks. It is also not caused by a lack of personal hygiene.
Acne occurs when there is increased oil excretion by the oil gland (sebaceous gland), which is genetically determined and hormone dependent condition, this usually results in a bacterial infection of the ducts  which forms pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and responsible for inflammation.
Other types of Acne are caused by a thickening of the skin at the opening (pores) of the skin again caused by genetics and/or hormones.  This is perhaps why acne is usually worse among teenagers, especially boys.  Acne however, can also show up at any time in your life, even beyond 40 years of age and if your parents have had significant acne, chances are you will have it too.
Since acne presents itself in various manners so are the treatment options necessary for the clearance of these blemishes.  Severe acne if left untreated can result in scarring in less than (12) months.  Latest treatments for acne include topical, antibiotics, hormone blockers, birth control (females), lasers, and photodynamic therapies (UV/Levulan 20%), and other treatment options.  Unfortunately, the cure for acne does not exist but we can effectively control and reduce acne, there are numerous causes for acne and thus there are multiple treatments options that can be done to alleviate the appearance of acne.

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