acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles clog with oil and dead skin cells when the clog occurs the bacteria that normally lives on the surface of the skin can invade replicate and grow within the clogged follicle at this point inflammation occurs the four main causes of acne are excess oil or sebum production hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells bacteria and inflammation acne is typically found on the face chest back and even scalp whiteheads blackheads pimples cysts and nodules are all types of acne of varying severity if left untreated acne can lead to scarring of the skin that may not be reversible acne is more common in teenagers due to increased freely circulating testosterone levels that increase oil production but acne can also occur in adults due to hormonal changes which are represented by the appearance of pimples along the jaw self-treatment or prevention of acne includes washing your face with an appropriate cleanser for your skin type twice daily although exfoliation leads to the removal of dead skin cells do not physically over exfoliate your skin as this can lead to irritation and inflammation over-the-counter topical products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for example are chemical exfoliants used to remove dead skin cells as well as reduce the bacteria content on our skin some individuals may need to see their dermatologist or skin health provider for more advanced treatments such as topical or oral antibiotics topical or oral retinoids or even steroid injections remember that your skin is your body's largest organ and oftentimes reflects what may be occurring internally to reflect healthy skin eat a diet that is nutrient dense get quality sleep proper hydration and reduce stress