ACNE: THE FACTS
The most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris and may occur on the face, neck and upper body. It is a condition that affects both men and women, and is most prevalent in adolescents aged 16 to 18 years. Acne usually becomes less of a problem after the age of 25 years, although about 15 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men continue to suffer from acne as adults.
ACNE: THE CAUSES
Acne is usually related to increased sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that is produced naturally by the skin. Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells that build up resulting in a clogged pore. The sebum in a clogged pore promotes the growth of a certain bacteria, P. Acnes, which is always present in the skin. The result of this bacterial growth is irritated, acneic skin. Adult acne may also be related to change in hormones due to childbirth, menopause or stopping the contraceptive pill.
ACNE: PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Acne can be controlled with a regimen of dermatologist-developed products that help prevent and treat outbreaks. For healthier, clearer skin, opt for products that have salicylic acid in them, which helps slow the shedding of the dead skin cells inside the pores and prevents the clogging that, along with oil and bacteria, can produce acne.
ACNE: WE RECOMMEND
To help prevent acne, we recommend washing your skin daily with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash and exfoliating three times a week with Neutrogena Oil-Free Scrub, which will hasten the skin cell turnover process. To treat blemishes, use Neutrogena Rapid Clear Spot Gel for Acne-Prone Skin, which contains salicylic acid and is clinically proven to provide results in just eight hours.
