Many of us, as teenagers, have suffered the dread of acne. Whiteheads, blackheads and the swollen, red, pus-containing lesions we call pimples is a common disease in adolescents called acne vulgaris. Eighty percent of adolescents suffer it. Moderate acne is considered a 'normal' phase of adolescence, and it can continue throughout the teen years.

When acne is severe, it can be highly traumatic to a teenager, leaving life-long physical and emotional scars. Severe acne has a great impact on the manner teenagers view themselves. Effects can include anger, social withdrawal, depression, poor body image, embarrassment, low self-esteem and self-confidence and discouragement. Unless it is treated in a holistic way, entering adulthood will most likely not imply the end of severe acne. It is a signal that there is something occurring within the teen that needs to be addressed on a physical as well as an emotional level.

During adolescence (about age 11 to 14) and throughout the adolescence years, increased androgen hormone's levels stimulate the sebaceous glands to enlarge and secrete more sebum. When there is excess sebum secretion, the follicle can become blocked. Also during adolescence, the follicle lining's skin cells shed more rapidly and can form sticky clumps. Dead skin cells and bacteria can combine with the sebum in the clogged pore.

One kind of bacteria specifically involved in acne is Proprionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Everyone has P. acnes living in their skin; even people who don't suffer acne. P. acnes ingests the sebum that is discharged to the skin. However, when sebaceous glands are clogged with sebum, the P. acnes multiply rapidly and break the sebum down into irritating fatty acids that cause an immune reaction. Inflammation is the result, with redness, swelling, and pain.

To cleanse an acne-prone face, gently wash it twice a day. Rinse well using warm water and pat dry with a clean soft towel. Do not use a washcloth to scrub or use harsh, high pH abrasive cleansers or soaps. Acne can be worsened by too much friction. You can obtain good results using mild calendula soap. Avoid over washing your face because this can make it irritated and dry. Skin must maintain the adequate pH levels to ensure a smooth complexion.

Beware of skin care products that include chemical preservatives, fragrance or coloring agents. These chemicals can make the problem worse. If using cosmetics, use water-based, oil-free foundations sparingly and carefully wash them off every night. Check for biological products made with components that are not likely to aggravate or cause acne. Finally, use a nonscented moisturizer. If your skin is dry, it produces more oil and the oil is more likely to get accumulated in pores.

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