On his way to art class, Joshua Vasquez noticed his first zit. He was worried that everyone was looking at him. However Joshua is lucky that there are many good acne remedies available.

Acne can affect you at any time and any place, attacking without regard to race or gender. Most of those that suffer from acne, though, are young adults and teens. Experts have calculated that about 85% of people who are in this age group are afflicted with acne and of those about 23% will get extended scarring that can be anywhere from light to severe.

Adults have acne too. It has been reported by The American Dermatologist Association that around 20 percent of people that are over 24 years of age have acne. That is about 60 million Americans. About 20 million Americans are afflicted with acne that causes permanent scarring. Only about 10 percent of the people that have acne will seek medical help. This is believed to be due to the social stigma of acne.

There is reason to hope, though, for those afflicted by acne. Once you know what causes acne, what helps and the things that don't and how to prevent most acne, you can take steps to get skin that is clear.

What Causes Acne?

You can't "catch" acne from a person or place. Still, there are measures you can take to lessen your likelihood of getting acne breakouts. Simply put, breakouts occur when too much oil is produced by the sebaceous glands. Other acne triggers are things like:

* An inherited tendency towards acne or genetics * Pollutants in the environment * Humidity * Over washing the skin * Physical irritation * Some prescribed medications * Hormones and hormone imbalances * Stress and anxiety * Cosmetics that are oil based * Poor cleansing of the skin

Save your time and money.

While some acne solutions improve your acne, many don't. When buying an over the counter acne remedy, be on your guard. Lots of the acne remedies on the shelves today have harsh components that can dry out your skin, and could even make your acne worse. Pick your acne products with care and look for products that are soothing.

What Really Works

Using the four methods that are sure to hinder acne, you can make this problem a thing of the past.

* Balanced diet * Sufficient rest * Water * Thorough washing

Natural products like tea tree oil can be good to treat acne. Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic properties and is quite efficient at addressing stubborn acne. Additional benefits include skin with a bright, healthy glow. For cystic acne, mint can prove to be a good spot treatment. It kills bacteria while providing coolness for the skin.

A good cleansing and firming mask that you can make yourself is an egg white and corn starch mask. Make a paste with the egg white and corn starch. Apply to clean skin and allow to dry. Take it off later with a wet washcloth and rinse well. You will end up with great skin.

Avoid possible difficulties!

When it comes to acne, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat, getting enough servings of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains will go a long way to curb acne outbreaks. In particular, dark green leafy vegetables are good for keeping acne at bay. Getting enough water is also important, as is getting sufficient sleep each night. Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep.

Ultimately, to keep your skin nice and clear, you must clean it properly. Your skin needs to be cleansed daily. Cosmetic makeup must be removed each evening before retiring. To have nice skin it is necessary to use a gentle cleanser, and lukewarm water. Over scrubbing can cause your acne to increase. Rinse your skin several times, and use a clean towel to blot dry. It is best to prevent acne before it starts, and you won't have to be bothered with trying to get rid of it.