Problems With Pimples? What Is Acne Exactly? Read On And Find Out More About Puberty And Adult Acne.

Acne is a common skin condition which most often appears during the teenage years. Also known as pimples, acne usually appears on the face but can also happen on other parts of the body such as the back, the shoulders, neck and chest. While acne attacks happen to s most often when we are teenagers, this doesn't mean that adults are immune to it. It's a condition that affects both men, women of every age and race.

Basically acne is characterized by lesions which break out on the skin. These lesions can be whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts which form because of clogged pores. It is most commonly seen during puberty because it is at this time that the body produces an abundant supply of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is needed to keep the hair and a skin soft and lubricated, but during puberty, the body produces more sebum than is needed. What happens is that the excess sebum can clog pores and leave the skin feeling oily.

Another change that occurs during puberty is the excess production of follicle cells. The dying cells can quickly build up and combine together with sebum to form whiteheads.This mixture of oil and dead cells creates a breeding ground for bacteria which results in redness and swelling in the afflicted area that are known as pimples.

The most common area for pimples to appear is the so-called 'T zone' of the face. This includes the forehead, the nose, and the chin, although acne may also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. The second most common area for acne is the back, followed by the neck, the chest, and the shoulders.

By the time they are in their 20s, most people's acne has cleared up. However, it may still persist throughout the adult years in some people. Some people even experience acne for the first time when they are adults. Slightly more boys than girls suffer from the condition.

Acne can be a problem for many people because it affects appearance and self image. Since teenagers are particularly vulnerable concerning their self-image, acne can cause feelings of depression and reduced self-confidence. It may cause some to withdraw from social interactions and cause feelings of anger and frustration.

In the next few articles you can find out more about the causes of acne, how to prevent a pimple attack as well as solutions to a bad break out.

Acne Treatment