It sometimes feels like a losing battle but there are steps that can be taken to minimise acne, writes Marie Madden.

Acne is the bane of many a teenager's life and often adults too! Though it can vary in severity, acne can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for many people and can be very difficult to treat.

Essentially, acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85 per cent of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear, or at least decrease, after one reaches his or her early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take for it to disappear entirely and some individuals will continue to suffer from acne decades later, into their thirties, forties and even beyond.

There are many steps that can be taken to minimise the appearance of acne. Gentle cleansing is the best way to make sure that the skin is clean, as vigorous cleaning can often aggravate the skin. Exfoliating twice a week can also be an effective way to maintain healthy skin as it removes the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing a vibrant complexion.

When purchasing skin care products, it is vitally important to examine the ingredients first, as oil based lotions may worsen the problem. Soap can also dry out the skin, stimulating oil production. Instead, opt for oil-free moisturisers including salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which absorb oil from the skin's surface. However, be careful, as astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots. Dermatologists also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.

Guys who shave and who have acne can test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Guys who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.

One of the main issues with acne is how to cover it up for that date or big night out. While men don't have that many options, girls can turn to make-up for camouflage. There are many cosmetics ranges designed specifically for oily skin, check packaging for phrases such as 'oil-free' and 'non-comedogenic'. Using a foundation brush can help with achieving even coverage and a light dusting of powder will set the make-up and avoid 'shiny skin syndrome'. Blotting papers can also be a handy addition to your handbag for any oil emergencies.

If acne persists over a long period of time or gets very severe, medication can be prescribed to improve the situation. However, some of these medicines can be very strong and have a drying effect on skin and eyes so are only recommended in serious circumstances. Your GP can provide more information on this.

Long-term sufferers may be able to provide more advice and support. Check out online communities such as www.acne.org.

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