As if being a teen isn't hard enough, Mother Nature had to throw acne into the mix just to make you really suffer. In fact, acne is the most common skin disease, and can affect people of all ages. But teens have it the worst; 85% of adolescents develop mild acne, while 15% develop clinical acne that ranges from mild to severe.

Why Do Zits Happen?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands in the skin and along hair shafts become clogged by oil, inflamed and infected by bacteria. Because teens experience many hormonal changes, their production of this oil increases significantly during adolescence.

When pores get clogged, blackheads form from hardened oil exposed to air, while whiteheads are covered by a layer of skin. With the addition of bacteria, both blackheads and whiteheads may develop into swollen, tender pimples. If acne is severe, large pimples - called cysts, nodules or cystic lesions - form firm swellings deep under the skin. They become inflamed and may develop into painful lumps; leading to scarring.

There is no cure for acne, but effective treatment is available. Severe acne requires medical treatment. However, if you have normal acne, a proper skin care routine can help minimize the incidence and severity of breakouts. And always use a sunscreen of at least SPF15 to protect skin from damage. This goes for boys as well as girls.

1. Get adequate sleep and exercise. The healthier you are, the more able your body is to fight off infections like acne.
2. Eat regular, well-balanced meals. Eliminate acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and juices, that may aggravate acne; surprisingly, chocolate is fine in moderation.
3. Avoid tension and stress, which can aggravate (but not cause) acne.
4. Keep hair, scalp and styling accessories clean.
5. Cleanse your face twice a day and follow a regular skin care regime.
6. Look for cleansing and treatment products with salycylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, and always wear sunscreen.
7. Stay on top of your acne program for the best results and healthier skin.

1. Squeeze or touch acne blemishes. This pushes the infection deep into the skin where it can spread.
2. Transfer bacteria from your hands to your face.
3. Re-use a wet face cloth; bacteria thrive and multiply in a wet environment.
4. Wear heavy, compressed or oil-based make-up that clogs pores. Look for non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic formulas.
5. Use moisturizer on oily skin.
6. Try to mask zits with a tan. Many acne treatments increase your skin's sensivity to the sun.
7. Worry about zits. Remember, 85% of your classmates get them, too!