Although many remain conscious of money spent on clothes and food, non-prescription acne treatment consumes over $100 million per year by Americans. This does not count the cost for special soaps and cleansers, prescription therapy, appointments to dermatologist and time lost from school or work (Acne Net).

“It is very expensive to get acne treatments,” Lauren Harden, ’08, said. “When I go shopping I always look at the prices, the majority of the products available is more than I want or should spend.”

Most people between the ages of 12-17 experience an occasional whitehead, blackhead or pimple. Many manage their acne with over-the-counter (prescription) treatments. For some, however, acne may cause scarring. Research by the same website found more than 40% of adolescents have acne severe enough to require some treatment by a physician.

?I have used a lot of different products and proactive was the only product that has made my face burn,? Phil Neal, ?09, said. “I went to go see a dermatologist after trying several ineffective products, because he gave me various prescriptions my acne has cleared up.”

In most cases, acne starts between the ages of 10-13 and lasts about 10-15 years, usually clearing up in the early twenties. However, some last for decades.

?I just started getting acne and I am 16 years old,? Wolfgang Dunn, ?08, said. ?I have been washing my face since I was a very young kid and so I think it is in my genetics.?

Acne is the term for clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads) and pimples and lumps (cysts or nodules). Acne is then broken down into two categories flamatory and non-flamatory.

Both severe and even mild cases lead to serious and permanent scarring. Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can occasionally occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, upper arms or legs.

?I have a lot of face breakouts during basketball season,? Michael Raymer, ?09, said, ?because I sometimes forget to wash my face after I play ball.?

Acne breakouts, causes differ

According to acne.org, sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface and becomes blocked and causes bacteria to grow. In addition, greasy and sugary foods may contribute to oil amounts on the epidermis.

The American Heart Association studied the affects of different foods on skin. It concluded foods high in grease or fat cause breakouts.

?I am a very absent-minded person,” Vana Tellalian, ?08, said. “I don?t care about what food I eat and whether its healthy or not. Whenever I get a pimple or acne, I treat it as it comes up.?

Due to extensive research, many physicians disagree if high stress levels create acne.

?I have been very frustrated with my skin lately,” Julio Ibarra, ?10, said. “I?m not sure why my skin keeps breaking out. I?m 15 and I?ve never broke out like this before.?

Recommended treatments

Although Proactive is the top selling acne product on the market today and numerous celebrities endorse it, treatment is not universal. For best results, see a dermatologist for medication.