• Acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne, consists of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts that appear mainly on the face and to a lesser extent on the chest, shoulders, arms and back.   
• It may also occur on parts of the body that are affected by friction or pressure. (For example, where a backpack straps rub against the skin - this form of acne is called acne mechanica).   
• Scratching or squeezing the lesions may worsen the associated inflammation.
• Scarring may occur, especially from cysts.
• In females, acne may be worse prior to the menstrual period, or during other periods of hormonal change, including pregnancy, menopause, or the use of oral contraceptions.
• Stress can also trigger or aggravate acne outbreaks.
• It is not uncommon for sufferers to become socially withdrawn, self-conscious, or even depressed.

Acne typically develops during puberty, when higher levels of male hormones called androgens increase the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. This in turn raises the skin’s sebum (oil) levels.

Hormonal fluctuations also mean some women experience acne as a component of pre-menstrual syndrome, or during other times of hormonal change, including pregnancy and menopause.

Whiteheads and blackheads occur when pores and dead skin cells become blocked by sebum.

Pimples develop if an inflammation or infection (often with the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes) sets in beneath the blocked pore. Cysts occur if pus and other secretions build up deep beneath the blocked pores within the hair follicles.

The use of certain drugs (e.g. anabolic steroids and some anti-seizure medicines), and exposure to chlorine compounds may also lead to acne problems. Excess iodine may also be involved in some cases.

You’re more likely to be affected by acne if one of your parents had the condition during their teenage years.

• Zinc helps maintain healthy skin, and is beneficial for skin repair and healing. It may assist in the management of acne.
• Taking the herb vitex may also be beneficial for acne that occurs prior to the menstrual period.