Acne is a skin condition, wherein the skin shows up different types of bumps like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Pimples (zits or spots) are the result of excess oil getting trapped in the pores and are usually seen on face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. The occurrence of hard or red spots on face are common for teenagers as they experience several changes in the hormone levels during puberty. The rise in hormones during puberty stimulates the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous or oil glands of the skin. These glands enlarge and release more sebum, in which bacteria can easily grow. The sebum forms a plug (blockage) at the hair follicle openings or pores of the skin. The chemicals produced by the bacteria stimulate inflammation, and are responsible for breaking the wall of the follicle. The dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria together cause redness, swelling, and pus known as pimples. Similarly, hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance during menstruation or pregnancy can lead to acne in women. Sometimes, the hair does not grow well out of its follicle. This hair under-growth leads to clogging of pores on skin. Therefore, many men experience zits on face after shaving. Causes

• Oily hair
• Dandruff
• Hormonal changes
• Skin infections
• Use of oily or wrong cosmetics
• Excessive use of cosmetics
• Use of wrong soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, etc.
• Some medications like birth control pills
• Genetic factors
• Unhealthy diet
• Consumption of high amount of fatty, oily, spicy, or fried foods
• Excessive use of processed food
• Deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients
• Excessive smoking
• Obesity, lack of physical exercise, etc.
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Irregular meals, late-night dinners, etc.
• Insufficient sleep
• Menstruation problems
• Pregnancy
• Unhealthy digestive system
• Higher level of stress
• Shaving and waxing
• Poor hygiene
• Accumulation of dust, dirt, and bacteria on the skin

Tips Following are general tips that help deal with spots on facial area:

• Do not try to pop the pimples.
• Wash you face twice daily to remove excess oil and impurities.
• Avoid touching your face as it may irritate the already inflamed skin.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Exercise regularly.
• Use makeup minimally.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
• Use moisturizers to prevent dryness of skin.
• Stay away from stress.

Home Remedies Pimples usually subside on their own; however, there is no harm in using some traditional ways to get rid of them.

• Make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder in milk. Apply this paste on the acne-affected areas or evenly throughout the face. Leave it overnight and rinse it with plain water in the morning.
• Apply garlic paste on the affected skin, and wash it with cold water after 20 minutes. You may apply the paste twice daily.
• Apply a paste of gram flour and yogurt to the zits and wash it after 10 minutes. Add some drops of honey to the paste, for better results.
• Oatmeal mask, orange-peel powder, and herbs like basil, neem, and mint leaves are effective in treating acne.

The aforementioned home remedies can help you avoid acne; however, in many cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, alcohol and smoking, and including antioxidant-rich foods, high-fiber foods in diet, etc., are expected to prevent them. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for acne treatment; however, getting rid of pimples naturally is always better. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.