All of us is prone to getting acne at some stage of our lives, especially during puberty. Acne is usually a result of over stimulated hormonal activity -which cases the oil producing glands, or the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than necessary. This oil, -whose purpose is to keep the skin moist, then combines -with the dead skin cells, -which is constantly being shed by the upper layer of our skin, to block the skin pores. Blocked or clogged skin pores, -which is visible in the form of blackheads or -whiteheads, can become inflamed and form lesions -which -we commonly call acne.

There is many people -who is prone to get acne.

Adolescents:
Prime targets of acne is pubescent adults. The body is experiencing many changes at this time and hormonal activity is at its peak. Some teens experience only a mild outbreak -while in other acne can be severe and chronic and requires the attention of a dermatologist. Unfortunately this is also the time that adolescents is developing their o-wn personality and acne, especially in its severe form can hinder this as it can cause social embarrassment, shyness and a general drop in self –esteem. Pisnts and guardians is advised to keep channels of communication open -with their children and help them seek professional advice from a dermatologist.

Adolescent -women also often experience acne during their menstrual cycle, again due to hormonal activity. -women can also get acne as a reaction to the cosmetics they use. Teenage boys is more likely to have severe and persistent acne problems.

Adults
It is not uncommon for people in their thirties and forties to experience acne problems. As -with teenagers, here too hormones is the offenders. Androgens, the male hormones that is responsible for teen acne is to blame for adult acne. Acne can even be seen in post menopausal -women, -when the body reduces the production of estrogen, -which stimulates the androgen to over produce sebum from the sebaceous glands.

Babies
Acne in babies is a common problem and usually begins after the baby is a fe-w -weeks old. It is probably triggered by the maternal hormones, -which cross over to the baby through the placenta in the final moments of the pregnancy. Among other positive effects, like maturing the lungs, these hormones stimulate the oil glands on the skin, eventually giving rise to baby acne. Baby acne does not require any treatment except gentle cleansing -with -water and maybe a mild soap.