Dead skin cells and other debris react with the air and gradually change color. This oxidation produces chemicals that turn dark in much the same way that an apple changes color when exposed to the air.

Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not the result of dirt. Scrubbing them in an effort to “clean” them will simply irritate the skin or make the situation worse.

Acne and pimples may also have predominantly pustular or cystic sub types. Pustular and cystic acne are notable for collections of dead skin cells, bacteria, white blood cells, and oil. These forms of acne may be helped by oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, IPL, PDT, hormone blockers, or Accutane and its generic equivalents.

Pimples are caused by three factors: bacteria, hormones, and sebum (oil). Increased adhesion of the epidermal cells also contributes to acne. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that diet may play a role in acne, although the findings are preliminary and more work needs to be done in this area.

Not every pimple is acne, and an occasional breakout should not prompt you to demand Accutane from a dermatologist. Understanding the various types of acne and the treatments for each will help you to take better care of your skin.

Conditions other than acne, including infections with yeast and unusual bacteria, can produce pimples without being acne. Rosacea can mimic acne, and even some dermatologists have difficulty distinguishing between the two.

Occupational exposures to chemicals can also lead to conditions that stimulate acne. Only a dermatologist is trained to consider these and a variety of other factors when evaluating your skin so seek professional help when you need it.

After learning the causes of pimples, check out some tips on removing acne scars and the type of acne causing food you should avoid everyday.

Topical Acne Treatments

These are usually creams which the patient applies to the affected areas of skin. Topical products include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Topical benzoyl peroxide is most often used for treating mild to moderate types of acne, topical antibiotics can also be used for treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids are frequently used in the treating of moderate types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is frequently the best acne product to begin with as an acne treatment. It comes in a selection of different strengths and is most often applied to the affected areas twice daily. It can occasionally cause dry and irritated skin, applying the medication less frequently then building up to the full dose can often help to get around this problem.

Oral Acne Treatments

Oral acne treatments like antibiotics, retinoids, and hormone pills are used for cases of moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is often used in the treatment of severe cystic acne. The action isn’t completely understood yet, but it is believed to act by reducing the size of and the amount of sebum output by the sebaceous glands. Women who can become pregnant should not take this medication without contraception, since isotretinoin can have serious side effects on pregnant women and their unborn children.

Availability of Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide can normally be purchased over-the-counter. Topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics and hormone pills usually require a prescription.

Herbal Treatments

Many people favour the use of herbal acne treatments, of which there are several available. A few of these are:

-Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is said to have anti-bacterial properties and is normally applied topically when it has been diluted to a concentration of 5-15 per cent.

-Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract, like tea tree oil, is believed to have anti-bacterial properties.

-Olive Leaf Extract

Extracts of olive leaf also are believed to have anti-microbial properties.

-Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract has antioxidants and bioflavonoids which are believed to be useful in treating acne.

Nutritional Changes

It has been said that a change in a person’s daily diet can help to prevent outbreaks of acne. Reducing the intake of junk food and refined foods and increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and wholefoods has been said to reduce acne. Increasing the consumption of zinc and antioxidants has also been purported as being useful in preventing acne.

See the author’s site for more information on which is the best acne treatment.

Many factors can cause acne to be worse. These include:

- Pore clogging cosmetics like oils and gels etc.
- Bad mental stress such as anxiety and fear (Emotions agitate your hormones and can affect the quality of your skin).
- Menstruation or monthly period cycles for women.
- Touching and massaging pimples that have arisen.
- Rubbing the skin too strongly.
- Poor environmental conditions (living in places with lots of dust, smoke and dirt will irritate your skin. This is an important cause of acne that is external to oneself).

Things that do not cause acne include the following:

- Excessive sexual activity or masturbation.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Food by itself (although diet does impact acne to a certain extent, a lot depends on what you are allergic to and requires experimentation on your part).

Genetics may or may not be a cause of acne as well. If your parents have a severe case of acne, you might be predisposed to have acne although this is not a certainty. What one should focus on is the treating of acne that has occurred.

For example, products with benzoyl peroxide or the use of oral/topical antibiotics can help you calm angry pimples and reduce acne in most circumstances.

Learning how to get rid of acne fast requires you to carefully pay attention to how your skin reacts under all conditions. Understanding what causes or does not cause acne is a good first step. You may also want to read these home remedies for acne to get some quick tips on what do immediately.