Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skins sebaceous glands which leads to plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), and outbreaks of cysts or nodules commonly called pimples. They may occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. It is the most common and chronic skin disease. The acne affects most of the teenagers. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in there 20s - even into there 40s - can get acne. Being not a life threatening health condition, acne is still upsetting and disfiguring as sometimes it leads to permanent and serious scarring.

What causes Acne

It is thought that the increased production of the Testosterone hormone and natural oils in the body during the teenage years is responsible for the formation of pimples. However other physical and genetic factors may also play a role. Stress, psychological disturbances, and irregular living habits can also bring on Acne.

Symptoms of Acne

Following are the major acne symptoms:

1. Abnormal redness
2. Irritation on the face

Impact of Acne

While Acne is not life-threatening, it can have a very adverse psychological impact on it's young sufferer. At the very time of your life, when you're extra-conscious about your looks and want to fit in, being marked out by acne can be extremely difficult to live with. Teenagers with acne are often prone to depression and often show poor self-esteem and a general lack of confidence.

The most common features of acne

Most people do not have any problem in recognizing acne. But sometimes, there are a few other kinds of skin condition that resemble acne closely but are actually quite different.

In order to identify and estimate the acne condition in various stages, there are certain features to be examined.

• Excessive oiliness on the skin.
• Whiteheads which sometimes are inflamed spots.
• Blackheads.
• Large visible skin pores.
• Little bumps under the skin (clusters of them).

Acne & blackheads home remedies

1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.

2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.

3. Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

4. Place strawberry leaves on the acne, the alkalinity helps to reduce the swelling.

Acne home remedie Garlic

If you can put up with a little smell (much smell indeed), garlic can help relieve your acne. Crush a couple of garlic cloves into a paste and dab it on the acne-affected area twice daily. Rubbing fresh garlic on pimples also works to remove them without any mark.

Acne home remedie Vinegar

Vinegar mixed with a bit of salt also serves as a home remedy for acne. Apply the saline vinegar by rubbing it gently on the acne-affected spot. Allow it to stay there before rinsing it off.

Acne home remedie Zinc

Zinc is another popular home remedy for acne. A couple of research studies have found that zinc is somewhat effective. While it was more effective than a placebo, antibiotic medication was still more effective. In light of this, it may not be the best option when scarring is a possibility.

Side effects of zinc include digestive upset and a metallic taste in the mouth. At high doses, zinc may lead to copper deficiency, weakened immune function, anemia, and heart problems. There is some concern that higher doses may reduce levels of HDL ("good") chholesterol.