Acne vulgaris, or acne, is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. When you have just a few red spots, or pimples, you have a mild form of acne.

• Severe acne can mean hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck, chest, and back.
• Or, it can be bigger, solid, red lumps that are painful (cysts).

• Most young people get at least mild acne. It usually gets better after the teen years. But many adult women do have acne in the days before their menstrual periods.

The good news is that there are many good treatments that can help you get acne under control.

What causes acne?

• Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores. If germs get into the pores, the result can be swelling, redness, and pus. See a picture of how pimples form.

• For most people, acne starts during the teen years. This is because hormone changes make the skin more oily after puberty starts.

• You do not get acne from eating chocolate or greasy foods. But you can make it worse by using oily skin products that clog your pores.

Acne can run in families. If one of your parents had severe acne, you are more likely to have it. Acne treatment can be very tricky and its better to go through a reputed Acne review site and decide on the course of action with your doctor.