Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, and it only gets worse as you age. Acne tends to hit adolescents and young adults, but even those in their 20’s are affected by acne. The bad news is that getting rid of acne is something many people try and fail to do. So, what can you do to get rid of acne and keep it away?

One way to clear up acne is to start during puberty, because the hormonal changes that come with puberty cause acne during this time. If you are prone to hormonal changes during puberty then this could be a great way for you to treat acne. Unfortunately, most people who are affected by acne during puberty have to deal with acne well into their adult lives. It is important to know that acne during puberty often clears up within a few months, but may take as long as six months or more to completely go away. There are several effective methods for clearing up acne that minimize both the likelihood of scarring and the amount of acne you get.

Blackheads are probably the most annoying kind of acne. They look like tiny black dots on the skin and are typically accompanied by a painful papule or pimple. Blackheads are caused by excess oil production and can usually be cleared up by keeping the face clean by washing twice daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Never pop or squeeze blackheads. Poking and squeezing can lead to permanent scarring and a more serious condition called “cystitis”.

Whiteheads are much less irritating than blackheads. They are larger than blackheads and are generally caused by excessive oil production in the skin. While this excess oil production may be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, it’s still very easy to treat. Simply wash twice daily with a mild, oil-free face cleanser and moisturizer. Avoid refined sugars, processed foods, and any other food that may contribute to acne or whitehead buildup.

Although acne is not a common skin condition, it’s very painful and irritating. Nearly 85% of people suffer from some sort of acne at some point. For most people, acne usually goes away after adolescence, although blackheads and whiteheads can occur at any age. In addition to being extremely irritating, acne can also have negative psychological effects. Many teenagers suffering from acne may feel ugly, suffer from low self esteem, and have depressive symptoms as a result of their condition.

If you find yourself plagued with pimples and can’t seem to stop them, you should try some basic self-care techniques. The best self-care methods for treating acne include cleansing the skin twice per day, using an acne facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid (a common treatment), eating a healthy diet, and wearing clothing that is loose and airy. Self-care methods are the best way to avoid scarring, although scars from acne can sometimes be visible only after treatment has been undertaken. Although pimples are unpleasant, they are easily avoided with some simple self care techniques.