During the early teen years, boys and girls are at greater risk for acne breakouts, when the oil glands in the body start over-producing sebum (skin oil that can resemble grease). Adding to the problem, your body sheds dead skin cells constantly and some people have "sticky" skin cells that dont shed normally they just remain attached to the skin. In people who have acne, these excess skin cells mixes with the oil and plug up the hair follicles.

The Common Myths

Quite a few myths are floating around out there about what causes acne. Lets straighten some out right now.

- Dirt does not cause acne
- A blackhead may look like dirt plugging one of your pores, but that is not the cause.
- The sebum and skin cells mix together and sometimes rise to the opening of the pore. But the real cause is still deep inside the pore.
- Enjoy your chocolate and French fries. Indulging in these favorites does not increase the production of sebum in the skin.
- Some of you may have been told that sexual activity or masturbation can cause acne. Not true.

Who Gets More Acne?

While both boys and girls can get acne its more likely to be worse in boys because their bodies produce more skin oils.

Strangely enough, your immune system can come into play as well making you extra sensitive to the bacteria that get trapped in the hair follicles.

What Makes Acne Worse?

- If you use makeup, suntan products or hair products that contain oil they can add to the pore-plugging problem.
- Being under stress like applying to schools, or struggling with grades, or even dating pressures can help bring out acne.
- During a girls period, hormone levels may create more sebum in the skin, which can worsen the breakouts.
- And, beware of the sun not only can it damage your skin and cause premature aging it can also cause pimples.

While keeping your skin clean is an important part of treatment, remember to be gentle no hard scrubbing, no picking or squeezing. You can survive acne.