The onset of adolescence

High school is that awkward stage when teenagers start dealing with physical changes beyond their imagination. Some enjoy growth spurts which put them at the back of the line during flag ceremonies; some simply gain weight at an unstoppable rate. Some start having red lesions on their faces which adds to the awkwardness that comes with being a young adult. These lesions appear conspicuously on ones cheeks and are exacerbated by the excretion of excessive oil from facial pores that a normal teenager suffers from. The inflamed appearance of these spots does not necessarily spell disaster in a teenager’s entire life, but it does leave scars, and can always make one wonder why finding a date is such a herculean task. Welcome to the ‘world of acne’.

Up close and ‘too’ personal

Acne is a skin disease that affects mostly the face, but is not exclusively confined to it. Other parts of a person’s body are prone to having acne, such as the shoulders and back. One of the most common skin diseases known to the world of dermatology, it is basically a chronic inflammation of the skin. It varies from one case to another but is usually manifested by pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Contrary to how ordinary it may sound, acne can have lasting damages to a person’s skin. Severe cases of acne can leave scars on an otherwise porcelain face. The redness may disappear after sometime but the unappealing spots remain noticeable.

All is fair in love and uhm… acne

And although teenagers are most susceptible to this disease, nobody is totally spared. Even a dermatologist can have an occasional pimple or two. However, owing to the hormonal changes that adolescents in high school go through, it is in this age bracket that ‘zits’ start coming out like there’s no tomorrow. It does not mean, though, that beyond this age, pimples are already unheard of. Adults can have them late in their twenties or even thirties. One’s sex, likewise, does not offer a conclusive explanation as to who is predisposed to having acne. Both sexes can experience varying forms of acne, although women are more likely to endure a regular bout with intermittent pimples due to their monthly cycle which causes an imbalance of the hormones.

Vanity knows no price

Despite the apparent downside of having acne at any point in one’s life, there is still no reason to panic. The advancement of today’s technology can make the trace of even the ugliest pimple disappear forever. A quick trip to the nearest dermatological clinic can work wonders not only in removing acne marks but also to prevent the possible outburst of other facial problems. From facial hair treatment to warts removal, these clinics offer an array of remedies for clients who are willing to pay. Those with acne problems, however, normally stick to the basics, which includes an initial assessment plus a series of follow-through treatments. These treatments don’t come cheap and require very specific brands of facial wash, cleanser, and moisturizer — the entire lot, really. But the promise of a ‘glowing’ and ‘blemish-free’ skin is enough to completely ignore how pricey it really is.

The Little Prince

One does not need to be acquainted with the likes of Belo and Calayan, otherwise known as ‘doctors to the stars’ to understand what acne is and how it can be countered. Educational materials abound in magazines, the internet and in those lifestyle channels on the tube. If dealing with acne is too expensive for comfort, one can always turn to Saint Antoine de Exupery who said: “Real beauty is invisible to the naked eye.”