Many people suffer from acne. While it is generally thought of as a teen malady, it can really strike anyone from young to old.

Acne does most often break out on teenagers because they are at a time when their hormones are operating in overdrive. Because of this the three main causes of acne, increased oil production, excess of dead skin cells and bacteria trapped under the skin, are generally more prevalent within this age group.

Teens are expected to be more responsible for their personal hygiene. But they don't always know how to care properly for their skin. With the carelessness of youth, they quite often abuse it. They are also usually less likely to eat a proper diet, which can lead to imbalances in their bodies.

Thankfully, you don't have to just "wait out" acne. There are some very simple things you can do to lessen acne and acne breakouts. The first is to try to eat a balanced and healthy diet. The healthier you are, the less likely it is that you will get the bacteria that causes acne. The second way is to make sure that dead skin cells get sloughed off your face. Washing gently with a mild cleanser once a day and exfoliating once a week should insure that you don't keep dead skin cells that will trap dirt and bacteria.

Be careful not to wash too often, though. Frequent washing is a fallacy that many people still believe in. In reality, washing more than twice a day will most often result in drier skin, which will actually cause more oil to be produced. And therefore more acne.

While there used to be claims that increased exposure to sunlight would inhibit acne, this claim is no longer widely believed by the medical community. Many doctors think that exposure to sunlight may actually increase the production of oil on the skin as the skin attempts to protect itself from the sun.

Popping and squeezing acne is yet another method that has been believed to work well. Unfortunately, it will usually result in more acne as you spread the bacteria around. It could even result in scarring and pocking of the skin.

And, finally, many people still believe that certain foods cause acne over others. While it is true that some foods seem to trigger outbreaks more often than other foods, it is not the ones generally believed to cause problems. Chocolate, caffeine, oily foods and sugar do not make acne more likely, although it is believed that milk may cause trouble with some people.

However, a balanced and healthy diet will result in a healthier person and less potential for acne-causing bacteria. So, while the above-mentioned foods are not going to guarantee an outbreak, they are more likely to cause your skin to be unhealthy enough for acne to take root.

Eating healthier and basic hygiene are not the only ways to help prevent and clear up acne. There are over the counter and prescription medicines that also achieve results. And then there are more natural, holistic methods.

Whichever you prefer, you will find that acne doesn't have to be the bane of your existence. For the most part, simple common sense can help control it. And for the small percentage of breakouts that happen anyway, there are ways to combat them and hasten the disappearance of the acne.