Acne is a skin condition in which pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes boils appear on the face and less often, the neck, arms, chest or back. It is caused by overactivity of oil glands in these areas. This is due to hormones (androgens) that are released in the body at the onset of puberty in both males and females. Blackheads are black due to a chemical reaction between the air and the plugged oil duct. Bacteria or germs on the skin can cause further redness and irritation of acne. Two of every 3 teens suffer from some degree of acne, from the onset of puberty until young adulthood and sometimes longer. Acne is not contagious, and is not caused by diet, poor hygiene, or sexual thoughts or activity. Your risk of developing acne is higher if there is a family history of acne. Acne can be made worse with use of some medicines including birth control pills and testosterone (both hormones); by using certain types of makeup, hair products, soaps and cleansers that irritate the skin; by abrasive or harsh scrubbing; by popping or pinching pimples and blackheads (this forces the oils into the surrounding skin); stress; and for some women, their menstrual cycle.

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