Acne is a skin disorder. It is extremely common in the 12 to 25 age group. However there are individuals in the age group of 50 who still do get acne. A hormone called androgen may play a role. Among other things, androgen stimulates the sebum-producing glands. After puberty, boys produce 10 times as much androgen as girls, and so it's not surprising that more boys than girls develop severe cases of acne. Also, a bacteria called Propionobacterium Acne, causes the skin fats to break down into irritating chemicals that contribute to an outbreak.

What is a comedone?

The basic or precursor acne lesion is called the comedone. It is simply an enlarged and plugged follicle, which is filled with dead cells and sebum / oil and hair. If the plugged follicle, or comedone, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedone and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedone that opens up at the surface of the skin is called a blackhead because it appears black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not due to dirt, but due to atmospheric oxidation.

What causes acne?

No one knows for sure exactly what causes acne vulgaris, the technical name for pimples, spots, blemishes or zit attack; it’s all the same. Researchers do know that it usually starts in adolescence and that heredity plays a big role. If one of your parents had acne, there's a good chance you'll develop it.

Other things that can cause acne, or make it worse, are certain drugs, such as those used to treat epilepsy or tuberculosis; exposure to industrial oils, grease and chemicals; and stress and strong emotions (which may account for the big date breakout). Some oily cosmetics and shampoos can, on rare occasions, trigger acne in people who are prone to it.

Many young women notice they get more pimples around the time of their menstrual periods. In fact, 70% of women notice their acne worsening just before their periods.

You may have heard that certain foods, such as chocolate, nuts, cola drinks, potato chips, french fries, and other "junk food" causes acne or make it worse. But there's no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Still, if you notice that outbreaks increase after you eat certain food, eat as little of them as possible.

Oily skin and hair don't actually cause acne. Although there is an association between the severity of acne and the amount of oil a person's skin produces, not all people with oily skin have acne. And some people with dry skin do get acne too!