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Is it possible to cure acne? We know there are endless products, potions and lotions to keep acne at bay, but not even scientists have found a cure for acne. Find out what triggers acne and some really interesting home remedies that can help clear your skin.

The very first change the skin goes through during the activation cycle is that a surplus of sebum is produced by the skin oil glands. This is often triggered by different reasons and a few of the most usual triggers are stress and hormonal alterations. These glands are located in greater numbers on the mid back, chest, chin, nose and forehead, which is why we see acne breakouts appearing in these areas more than other parts of our body.

Sebaceous glands vary in size and are stimulated to release sebum by hormones, specifically androgen hormones. Androgens are also produced by adrenal glands. An enlargement of the oil glands occur when adrenal glands release an excess amount of hormones which often occur during puberty and in stressful situations.

Sebum and dead skin cells can accumulate in the follicle causing it to clog. Whiteheads and blackheads are the most common comedones and are generally caused due to the build-up of oil and dead skin cells.

P. acnes are microbes that serve the skin as a natural defense mechanism. The purpose is to keep other harmful bacteria away. When follicles or pores are clogged, P. acnes are trapped inside. The skin can become inflamed and irritated because P. acnes change their chemical structure within a blocked follicle.

Natural Acne Treatments

There are various home treatments that are effective. Here are some things you can try.

*Massage essential oils into your skin at night such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. Clean your face clean in the morning hours with natural soap and water.

*Acne begins within the body, not just at the surface of the skin. For that reason, you will need to drink lots of drinking water to help detoxify the body and help clear acne.

*You can exfoliate and clear pores with an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook the oatmeal and apply it while it's still warm, let it dry and then wash it away.

There are several at home treatments for acne, most of which work and some which don't work. People, however, with more serious cases of acne, such as cystic acne, often opt for more powerful over the counter acne treatments.