Advice

Lots of people suffer from acne but being a bit spotty shouldn't drive you potty! Learn about what acne actually is here, plus why we get it and things you can do to get rid of it...

What is it?

Blackheads, whiteheads, spots, zits, pimples, pizza face.

What is it?

We get acne when the skin's sebaceous ('sa-bay-shuss') oil-producing glands become blocked and inflamed. The most common areas to get acne are the face, back and chest, where there are lots of sebaceous glands.

Why have I got it?

• Hormones - during puberty the glands in our skin produce more oil. There's more chance of the clogging that causes acne.
• Genes - We inherit our skin type, same as our eye colour. Thanks mum and dad.
• Time of the month - many girls find acne gets worse in the days before each period.
• Stress - this can make most skin conditions (including acne) worse. So chill out!

How can I get rid of it?

Acne usually clears up after puberty but you want to do something about it now, right?

See what's available at the chemist first, some over the counter treatments are really good. Eat well, drink plenty of water and remember:

• Don't squeeze spots - they last longer and can leave scars. Especially if we gouge.
• Washing - twice daily with warm water, then pat dry gently. Scrubbing makes skin produce more oil.
• Avoid make-up - concealer and foundation, especially. They are fooling no one. And they make our skin worse. Save for days when you absolutely must. Make sure any products are labelled "non-comedogenic".

`

If no joy, speak to your GP. There are lots of creams and tablets that can help, on prescription.

Myths:

• Chocolate and chips give you acne: Nope. The oil on our skin doesn't come from the oil in our food.
• Masturbation causes acne: What? No. Never. Nor does sex.
• Acne makes you ugly: Try telling that to Cameron Diaz. Or Scarlett Johansson.