Normally the cells lining the hair follicle slough off regularly and the oil passes to the surface of the skin. But when this fails to happen, a pore becomes plugged and bacteria multiply, causing inflammation.

"Anyone can be prone to blemishes but the extent of the condition can vary quite a bit," Mammone says.

Blemishes are most common from puberty to the late 30s but it is not only teenagers that suffer from breakouts.

There are many people who had minimal breakouts in their teens that develop more blemishes later in life.

There are also many people that have persistent blemishes throughout their whole life, meaning they always have a few lesions on their face every day or they consistently break out on a regular basis, according to Mammone.

The factors responsible for blemishes, regardless of age or gender, are the same - heightened sebaceous gland activity triggered by a genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, impurities, hyper-keratinization (clogged pores) and individual irritation response.

Stress, environment, fluctuating hormonal levels and other imbalances can also play a role in breakouts.

However, acne blemished skin can be improved but trying to find the right acne blemish treatment products can prove to be a real headache, not to mention a never-ending expense.

Professional skin care brands have a series of anti-blemish products that will treat all of the problems acne creates in steps.

By using these series on a regular basis, you will be guaranteed to know whether they are the right product for you or whether you need to change.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to acne treatment.

The best acne blemish treatment varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the skin problem. Anyone suffering with the stress of bad skin should see a dermatologist.

Mammone says people suffering from blemishes should balance their blemish treatments with moisturization. Moisturization is an important part of addressing the anti-irritation prong. People with oily or blemish-prone skin should choose a moisturizer that is right for their skin type.

(Shanghai Daily April 22, 2008)