Almost 100% of people between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, will get some form of acne; whether it be a light case or in a severe form. And this is regardless of race or ethnicity.

According to research 40% of those cases are severe enough they require a physician or dermatologist. Acne usually lasts anywhere from five to ten years. Going away around the early twenties.

Acne is supposed to affect men and women equally although research is inconclusive on this point. And, in some cases acne can affect a person as late as their thirties, beyond this age is rare, but there have been some cases.

Acne also has some impact on the economy too. Americans spend more than a hundred million dollars a year, on over the counter medication. According to research those who get acne between the ages 12 and 17 are going through puberty.

This leads to factors such as hormonal changes. In some cases vitamins could be taken, but haven’t been found to enhance healing of acne. In teenage girls, it also seems acne occurs during or just before the menstrual cycle. In both cases hormones and an imbalance of hormones are related.

The question as to why people get acne literally has no conclusive answer. The best answer so far is a chemical or hormonal imbalance in both men and women.

Research has proven however that acne cases among women and the acne flare ups occurred during the menstruation cycle and pregnancy. However, women seem to be more effective at getting rid of the acne than men.
This is the result of women treating the acne; compared to most male teens and men do no treat acne as often.

Research has also shown that out of grown men and women who have a problem with acne in their late twenties and early thirties; out of these cases that were severe scarring was seen more with women than men.

Although it doesn’t seem so because women wear make up anyway and often times acne can be covered up, or seen less. Research continues on the skin disease acne. Determining why acne occurs, and what causes acne.

Over the years the research for the skin disease acne, has progressed tremendously. Today, the scientific research also concentrates on the public’s awareness and knowledge about acne.

Although some of the research that has been done on acne has been inconclusive, there have been some developed insights on how acne forms and develops. This in turn led to some improved treatments.

New products are being made for different skin types. And some creams are created to be more effective on acne lesions while less irritability to the skin. Acne is treated on a more individual basis now, where as a decade ago the treatments were more of a grouped therapy, or treatments.

Because of research and new technology, researchers believe there are fewer side effects reported form prescription medications as well. Dosing is regulated better and acne improvement is more efficient and effective. In some mild cases the acne lesions were completely cleared up and in severe cases, scarring was greatly reduced. Creams sold over the counter also include low doses of medication that in years past, was only available by going to a physician. Research has deemed low doses safe, if used as directed.

Because of research, physicians and dermatologists are able to use some combination treatments. Such as prescribing an oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and a topical ointment or cream for existing acne lesions and inflammation. In most cases skin clears faster and lasts longer.

Research has also enabled physicians to prescribe stronger doses of oral antibiotics reducing the amount of time the oral antibiotics have to be taken.
Allergic reactions have shown a great reduction according to researchers. The reason for this is the reduction of non-active ingredients, although they still play a vital role in over the counter topical creams, gels, and lotions.

Research continues the fight against the skin disease acne. New developments and medication is being improved all the time.

Research has unveiled the latest therapy against acne. This includes a special kind of lighting. While there’s still a lot for researchers to learn about this therapy; they continue to their quest that acne can virtually be resolved permanently.