Acne is the collective term used to describe whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Teenagers might refer to acne as zits.

But whatever you might call it, acne is a condition that adolescents and adults would rather not deal because it can be very burdensome, regardless if the case is mild or severe. A person suffering from acne may often feel self-conscious, embarrassed and helpless.

Over the years, as medicine continues to advance, more and more acne treatment methods have sprung up, promising to clear up pimples within weeks or days.

The most common acne treatment recommended by dermatologists is the use of antibiotics, typically tetracycline-type derivatives formulated to kill the acne-causing propioniform bacteria responsible for the inflammation and infection. Topical agents such as benzyl peroxide also work the same way.

There are now techie ways to treat acne, like the Zeno acne blemish device. This hand-held gadget is used to heat up the skin to kill the propioniform bacteria and trigger the influx of heat-shock proteins that also help kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation in the pores.

One acne treatment method with a bad rap is Accutane (isotretinoin), a powerful drug used to inhibit the amount of oil being secreted in the skin follicles. Though it was proven to be effective in clearing up acne, Accutane is also a classified as a category X drug because it is guaranteed to cause birth defects. Other Accutane side effects include depression, psychosis, aggression and suicide.

Most acne treatment methods are just quick fixes; they only treat the symptoms but not the cause. While a lot of products and methods do work to an extent, the acne usually reappears after a few weeks of stopping the treatment.

You'd be surprised to learn that preventing acne isn't really that complicated. The first thing you need to realize is that contrary to what many skin experts believe, the food that you eat has a lot to do with acne.

Because heredity and hormones are contributing factors, if you are predisposed to developing acne lesions and are eating food that is increasing your insulin levels and related insulin growth factors, you will have acne.

Foods that contain refined carbohydrates and sugar increase insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 in your body. This results in the secretion of sebum, a greasy substance that attracts the acne-causing propioniform bacteria.

Now that you've learned that diet has everything to do with acne, here are some natural acne treatment tips:

* Reduce the amount of grains and sugars you consume, including bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes and corn - to radically lower your insulin production. Try the No-Grain Diet.

* Take a quality probiotic supplement - If you're using antibiotics to treat acne, they kill the propioniform bacteria but they also wipe out the good bacteria in your gut.

* Optimize your vitamin D levels - You produce over 200 antimicrobial peptides when you're getting enough vitamin D from regular sun exposure. If you can't get enough sun, you can use a safe tanning bed or supplement with oral vitamin D. The correct supplement to take is vitamin D3. You have to monitor your vitamin D levels with a blood test at regular intervals if you decide to take supplements.

* Minimize your stress levels.

* Use only organic skin care products for your face.

* Wash your hands regularly and avoid unnecessarily touching your face. Don't scratch, squeeze, pick or rub your skin because it will only make the problem worse and cause scarring.

* Regularly shampoo your hair and if possible, keep it off your face, especially at night.