However, acne is treatable, according to Dr. Loretta Davis, assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Medical College of Georgia, although controlling acne requires more than just keeping your face clean. Acne is caused when the pores of the skin become blocked. Bacteria in the follicle can then cause whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. It is most common in teen-agers, but it can continue to afflict some adults throughout their lives. While most teens will have at least the occasional pimple, acne can be much more serious for some, and it tends to run in families.
Hormones seem to play a role in the condition.
Even though some of them don't want to discuss it, whether or not they talk about it, acne can cause a real self-confidence problem. Teen-agers have more important things they need to be dealing with than whether or not they have another big zit on their face. But over-vigorous scrubbing can stimulate the glands and actually make acne worse. And the current evidence indicates that eating junk food or chocolate doesn't cause pimples. For those suffering with mild acne, home care may be sufficient.