As I mentioned in the tanning article, acne is caused by several key factors. The three that are most crucial are oil overproduction, lack of proper exfoliation, and the presence of acne-causing bacteria.

Unfortunately, the amount of oil your skin produces and the amount of bacteria that exists on your skin are both gene-related. If both of your parents had oily skin and a lot of breakouts, it's likely that you will have the same traits.

There are ways to counteract this, however. By taking consistent steps to reduce oil, exfoliate gently, and use medication to kill bacteria, you can improve the overall clarity of your skin.

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Getting Rid of Oil

Oily skin contributes to the appearance of acne because acne bacteria thrives in the excess sebum in your pores. Since the only way to reduce oil production permanently is by taking Accutane (we'll talk about that later), the best way to deal with oil is to wash your skin regularly.

Go with a simple, skin-soothing cleanser. This means avoiding even potentially irritating ingredients like menthol, camphor, or peppermint. Anything that gives you a "tingly" feeling is not doing you any favors when it comes to calming your skin.

When choosing a regular cleanser, also avoid anything that leaves a film on your skin after rinsing. These cleansers often contain mineral oil or another oil ingredient, which is the last thing you want when treating oily skin.

Products such as Liquid Neutrogena and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser are classic options for basic cleansing. Wash once in the morning and once in the evening. If your skin feels slick during the day, use an oil-absorbing sheet to mop up excess oil. Too much washing will dry your skin, leading to irritation and flaky skin. If you wear makeup during the day, use a warm washcloth or a non-alcohol makeup remover at night to help remove any traces of cosmetics.

Getting Rid of Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliation is an important skin care step for everyone, but for those with acne-prone skin, it's essential. Eliminating dead skin cells helps prevent pores from clogging. Good exfoliation, however, doesn't include irritating your skin with harsh scrubs. Instead of opting for crushed walnut shells, use an alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid that can actually get into your pores to clear them out.

Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids are the most common chemical exfoliants and all encourage the elimination of dead skin cells. Salicylic acid, the only beta-hydroxy skin ingredient, does double duty: It unclogs pores and lends an anti-inflammatory effect since it is similar to aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, opt for one of the other ingredients.

Depending on how oily your skin is, look for a lotion or gel formula. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer contains salicylic acid for slightly drier skin while Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel offers an alcohol-free formula for even the oiliest skin type.