Acne is a term for describing inflammation seen on the skin. There are many factors that could cause acne, but the main contributor to the inflammation is too much sebum being excreted by the sebum glands, which in turn block pores. Because the pores are blocked, acne appears from bacteria that collects and causes inflammation. The severity of acne can vary, from very severe to quite mild. Gels and lotions can effectively treat mild acne, and most are over-the-counter, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. However, severe acne needs to be treated very carefully and aggressively, and may require taking oral medicines, antibiotics, or in the worst circumstances, surgery.

There are many different types of acne, and some causes of acne are unknown, but most acne can be found to be caused by several factors.

One of those factors is heredity, which is a cause for most people. The chances that you may develop acne increases when you have someone else in your family who has also suffered from acne in their lifetime. If you do start to see symptoms of acne, it is very important to see a dermatologist as soon you can, as treatment is most effective the earlier you start.

Another very common factor of acne is hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can occur at many stages of life, and they cause changes to our bodies. Most females can usually anticipate developing acne during menstruation because of the body's hormonal changes. Women also experience hormonal changes during pregnancy, and therefore it is common to see acne in pregnant women. Women may also experience acne during menopause. But even with the many stages of life in which acne may appear, each body is different, and therefore not all women will experience acne at the stages of life in which hormonal changes take place.

Males also experience acne from hormonal changes, and like women, the severity may vary. Certain skin care products can cause reactions in certain individuals, and cause the appearance of acne. Some people are also allergic to some skin care products, and therefore the result may be acne.

And finally, acne has also been found to be caused by stress. In order to treat acne in the best manner, it is important for a person to discover the factor which caused it. Nowadays, there are many treatments available, but some treatments are better for treating certain types of acne and other treatments. Therefore, it is wise to see a dermatologist for the best results.