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Joshua Vasquez just saw his first zit before shuffling off to his Art class. Imagine his worry as he figured that everyone was examining him. Fortunately for Joshua there are good acne remedies available.

Acne can affect you at any time and any place, attacking without regard to race or gender. Most of those that suffer from acne, though, are young adults and teens. Experts have calculated that about 85% of people who are in this age group are afflicted with acne and of those about 23% will get extended scarring that can be anywhere from light to severe.

Adults, though, are not immune from acne. The American Dermatologist Association reports that about 20% of all those over the age of 24 have active acne lesions. This boils down to about 60 million Americans, teens through adults have active acne and 20 million Americans have acne that is bad enough to cause permanent scars. Surprisingly, only an estimated 10% of those affected with acne will seek medical advice, but this is partly due to the social stigma that acne carries.

For those that suffer from acne, there is a ray of hope. Knowing common triggers for acne breakouts, as well as knowing what successfully treats your acne and what doesn't, is the most important step toward having clear and smooth skin.

Why Does Acne Exist?

While acne is not contagious, there are some known things that do contribute to a case of getting acne lesions. To make it easy, acne is caused when the sebaceous glands produce excess oil. Other causes may include:

* An inherited tendency towards acne or genetics * Pollutants in the environment * Humidity * Over washing the skin * Physical irritation * Some prescribed medications * Hormones and hormone imbalances * Stress and anxiety * Cosmetics that are oil based * Poor cleansing of the skin

Don't Waste your Time and Money

It's true that some acne remedies could help, but the truth is that many do not. Especially if you buy an over-the-counter treatment, you need to be careful. Many commercial remedies are abrasive and cruel to your skin. They could even worsen your acne! Take care to choose a product that is gentle.

What Really Works

Four things are guaranteed to help acne. Together they pack a powerful punch to make acne a former problem.

* Balanced diet * Sufficient rest * Water * Thorough washing

To treat existing acne, try natural products like tea tree oil which has strong antiseptic properties and is very effective. Witch hazel is a helpful skin toner and it can provide a healthy glow. Mint is a good spot treatment, especially for cystic acne. It will cool and sooth the skin while killing bacteria in the process.

A good cleansing and firming mask that you can make yourself is an egg white and corn starch mask. Make a paste with the egg white and corn starch. Apply to clean skin and allow to dry. Take it off later with a wet washcloth and rinse well. You will end up with great skin.

Avoid possible difficulties!

Prevention will help you avoid acne. The best way to avoid acne is to take good care of yourself. A sensible, low fat diet that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help keep your skin clear. Dark green leafy vegetables, like swiss chard, are strong acne fighters. Be sure to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Adequate sleep is another proven beauty secret. Doctors will tell you to get about seven hours of sleep a night.

Ultimately, to keep your skin nice and clear, you must clean it properly. Your skin needs to be cleansed daily. Cosmetic makeup must be removed each evening before retiring. To have nice skin it is necessary to use a gentle cleanser, and lukewarm water. Over scrubbing can cause your acne to increase. Rinse your skin several times, and use a clean towel to blot dry. It is best to prevent acne before it starts, and you won't have to be bothered with trying to get rid of it.

The Acne Help Page is an online knowledgebase covering everything related to acne and acne remedies. Here you can find information on what causes acne to common treatment options and formulating your own acne remedy. Read other's experiences on what can help acne at the treatment results page.