There are two main types of acne - acne vulgaris and cystic acne.

Acne vulgaris is just a fancy scientific name for common acne, or those "blow ups" we get as skin blemishes in the form of blackheads and pimples or zits. Put simply, acne occurs when pores in the skin become blocked and the trapped bacteria cause a localized infection under the skin.

Common acne is a fairly minor and superficial problem, even though it can be very annoying.

A bigger problem is when it develops into cystic acne, which is a deeper infection that can grow into a cyst or a boil. Cystic acne eruptions are harder to treat with home remedies and are more likely to lead to acne scarring because of the skin damage.

Acne can happen anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face and neck, which is a pity because that makes it pretty obvious to everyone.

The next most common place is on the back, which is another pity, because you might have to become a contortionist to squeeze all those blackheads and pop all those zits! But maybe that is just as well, because, despite the temptations, the medical experts recommend against all that squeezing and popping, because it can spread the infection and leave scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne can be caused at any age simply by insufficient skin care and cleanliness. Places like the neck under a tight collar are more susceptible than most.

Those sudden outbursts of zits are sometimes linked to types of food, usually sweet things or allergies, and to stress.

But the main cause of blackheads and pimples is usually hormonal imbalances, which is why acne is of most concern to teenagers who are going through their puberty years.

There are three main lines of attack in the usual treatments to care for acne.

The first is to try and keep those pores from blocking, and to try and reduce the bacteria present on the skin that are the cause of the infection when the pores do get blocked. There are skin cleansers, ointments and washes available to do this job - but you do need to make a regular habit of using them. You also have to be careful about dryness, redness and irritation that can be caused by some products, especially if they are over-used.

The second line of attack is one you need to discuss with your professional medical adviser. It involves finding ways to deal with the root cause of the acne in your personal case - such as hormonal imbalances or any allergies that may be involved. Teenage girls with bad cases of acne are often prescribed a birth control pill to correct their hormonal balance, for example.

Thirdly, medical help with treatments such as antibiotics may be required if the acne has developed into the deeper infections under the skin that are the symptoms of cystic acne. In this case the risk of permanent acne scarring or pockmarks is greater, and so an early medical intervention to reduce the seriousness of the problem is important.

Home remedies for acne are about the first line of attack - making sure the skin is kept clean and the pores don't block to trap bacteria inside and cause an acne infection to start.

Many home remedies are very effective for this purpose, and for mild cases of acne they are well worth considering as an alternative to expensive commercial preparations.

Homemade facial skin cleansing masks using natural products seem to help quite a few people and they're often much less irritating and harsh on the skin than some commercial acne treatment products.

Facial masks made with everyday ingredients from the pantry, like eggs, yogurt, honey, and oatmeal, can cleanse the skin deep down and moisturize it at the same time. They can draw out dirt and oils from the pores.

Honey, for example, is a mild natural antibiotic that can reduce the amount of bacteria present on the skin. This antibiotic property is why honey lasts so well when stored in the bee hive or in your pantry.

You may not think that natural homemade facial masks are going to be much help for acne but they have worked for many generations over the centuries. They can also make a big difference in your skin's texture and appearance while reducing the risk of breakouts into zits.

Even though their reputation is not enhanced by big advertising campaigns, the better home remedies for acne should not be discounted as alternative skin cleansers and treatments.

The link between having acne and your diet and lifestyle has been pushed into the background somewhat, in favor of the better known and heavily advertised treatments for the symptoms.

An yet it is very obvious there is a strong linkage when you look how acne increases in countries becoming more affluent and adopt more of a western diet and lifestyle.

By getting down to the real reason you have acne shows you how to get rid of your zits forever, instead of endlessly buying expensive treatments for the symptoms. Its far better to stop acne before it starts, and make sure you have a clear skin for years to come.

This top selling book reviews the scientific research and recommends a simple dietary change approach to quickly getting rid of acne. It is well worth buying and reading - it could change your life.

The Clear Skin Diet: A Nutritional Plan for Getting Rid of and Avoiding Acne