Did you know that over 85% of Americans reported to have experienced some form of acne in their lifetime? June is acne awareness month and here are some acne basics you may or may not know. 

First, what is acne? Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles. The buildup of sebum leads to growth of bacteria which cause whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic pimples. There are many different types of acne and people of all ages can get acne, however it is most frequently seen in teenagers and young adults. Acne often appears on the face but is also commonly seen on the back, shoulders, and chest.  The most common suspects of acne breakouts are clogged pores, bacteria, and hormonal changes. 

There is no single cause of acne.  Acne has many contributing factors when it comes to breakouts, therefore there is no universal cure to the skin condition. Unfortunately there is no one treatment that cures all that exists when it comes to treating acne. Therefore, it is recommended to see your dermatologist to get a customized treatment plan tailored for your skin. 

The good news is acne is treatable. It can take some trial and error, but there are a number of ways to clear the skin. Acne treatments can include light therapy, aesthetician services, topical treatments, and even lasers to help combat acne breakouts. Though it may be difficult to pick and touch the blemishes on the face, it is always recommended to not over pick or exfoliate acne breakouts. Not only can picking the face lead to scarring, but it can also cause infections and spread bacteria leading to more pimples. 

Acne can be difficult on one's self esteem and affect one's daily activities. While acne is not a fun subject to talk about, it is a skin condition a lot of us have dealt with in our lives.  If you find yourself struggling with acne and have tried topical acne treatments with no success, it may be time to consult with your dermatologist. It is important to know that there are professionals who help achieve healthy and happy skin.