Acne is a problem that affects everyone at some point in their life. Severe acne problems however can be quite the cause for concern, as it can leave an individual feeling self conscious and dejected. Acne is caused due to hormonal activity, which causes an excess amount of oil to be secreted by the sebaceous glands.


The excess oil that is secreted then tends to get blocked within the pores along with, bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells, which then leads to acne. This condition generally occurs on the back, face, chest, neck and shoulders, basically wherever sweat glands are located.  
    
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused due to particular food groups, but rather, as mentioned earlier, it is the outcome of a hormonal problem.


However, eating healthy never hurt anyone, so you can start off by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid all kinds of oily foods, fried foods and fast foods.

Water is essential to keep the skin healthy and well hydrated. Try and drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water everyday. Eat a diet that is healthy and well balanced. This will keep both your skin as well as your body healthy. Vitamin C is an excellent anti-oxidant, thus consuming foods that are rich in it will also help. Consume a diet that is rich in fiber, as it will help in keeping your system clean by getting rid of toxins and other waste substances from the body.

Additionally here are a few home remedies that can help in keeping this condition under control. Mix together half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and some honey, to make a thick paste. Apply a thin layer of this paste on the affected area at bedtime, and wash it off with lukewarm water the next morning. This treatment has to be performed every night, on a regular basis, till you begin to notice visible results. Another very effective home remedy for treating this condition is aloe vera gel. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel on to your skin and let the application stay for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Juice extracted from fresh mint leaves can also be used as a topical application for treating acne. Apply a thin layer of the juice at bedtime and rinse it off with chilled water the next morning, this remedy if performed regularly will also help in reducing outbreaks.