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Many people are plagued with the everyday aggravation of skin problems. One of the most common of these is acne, a frustrating skin disorder that, if left untreated in its severest form, can physically and mentally scar those who suffer from it.

Acne is a condition caused by the overproduction of sebum, a type of body oil. It appears on the skin in the form of blemishes, also referred to as 'pimples' or 'zits'. The condition takes on different forms with various people, whether it's one or two inconspicuous pimples, or a full face flare-up. It is particularly prominent in youths experiencing puberty, due to an increase in hormone production.

Although there is no ultimate cure for acne, it can be managed by using the proper skin care steps:

Choose cosmetics carefully. Women who wear makeup can be susceptible to breakouts when they use products containing oils, which can aggravate their condition. Oil free or non-comedogenic cosmetics are a good alternative, since other products can irritate pores and cause breakouts. (Suggest product)

Easy does it-don't over wash. Excessive scrubbing can strip the skin of essential oils it needs to stay balanced. In order to replace those oils, the pores work overtime, often overproducing oil and ultimately leading to more breakouts. So be gentle with your skin, washing your face no more than twice daily. Follow up each cleansing with a lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. (Suggest product)

Stop-don't' pop: tempting though it may be, leave those pimples alone! Squeezing a blemish can actually drive oil deeper into the skin, causing more redness, or even scarring. (Suggest product)

Keep it clean: Any items that touch your face on a daily basis, such as eyeglasses, telephones, and pillowcases can accumulate oils that can aggravate skin. It's a good practice to keep such items as dirt free as possible, washing them often.

If you follow these tips and still experience breakouts, then perhaps it's time to visit your dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions such as acne, and can provide prescription medications to help you manage your blemishes. They may also find other factors which cause flare-ups, such as diet, hormone levels, and stress.