Doctors recommend acne-sufferers to turn to diet before drugs and cosmetic creams to solve skin problems.
As the old adage goes, there are two certainties in life: death and taxes.
Other contenders to be added to this elite list might include: public transport being late; the England football team not performing to high expectations; and for the majority of teenagers, the dreaded acne.
Acne affects around 80 per cent of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 and is a regular occurrence at the onset of puberty.
Getting rid of acne can be a laborious, pricey and patient process, but the advice from health experts is that teenagers can help themselves with a simple change of diet rather than resorting to cosmetic products or prescription drugs.
Acne is caused by an excessive production of sebum (oil).
As skin cells divide pores are often blocked.
The build-up of sebum behind these blocked pores produces blackheads and whiteheads.
More serious infections with spots and pustules occur when an increased amount of bacteria is trapped in hair follicles.
Dr Gustave H Hoehn, MD, believes "diet is the answer to the acne problem".
When comparing diets of the average American with other nations, Hoehn found that Americans had a much higher intake of saturated fats and fatty oils, as well as an increased number of acne sufferers.
"The common ingredient found in the native diets of Italians, Koreans, Japanese and Eskimos is thin oils - olive oils, fish oils, peanut and vegetable oils - while we Americans eat heavier fats, which are found in milk, cheese, and ice cream as well as in bacon, ham and pork, and lard used in many fried foods.
" Michael T Murray, author of Natural Alternatives to Drugs agrees with Hoehn, "A healthful diet rich in natural whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is the first recommendation for treating acne.
" Murray suggests eliminating foods containing trans-fatty acids like milk, cheese, butter and fried foods.
Experts like Hoehn and Murray have failed to make an impression on the NHS however.
The NHS Direct website claims, "Eating greasy food or chocolate does not cause acne.
" The NHS recommends gels, creams, or lotions or in some cases a low-dose oral antibiotic as preferred treatments for acne.
Whilst the NHS does not acknowledge the evidence presented by the likes of Hoehn and Murray, the growing body of evidence is compelling.
Following some of the guidelines listed above could have angst-ridden teenagers spotting the difference in no time.
As the old adage goes, there are two certainties in life: death and taxes.
Other contenders to be added to this elite list might include: public transport being late; the England football team not performing to high expectations; and for the majority of teenagers, the dreaded acne.
Acne affects around 80 per cent of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 and is a regular occurrence at the onset of puberty.
Getting rid of acne can be a laborious, pricey and patient process, but the advice from health experts is that teenagers can help themselves with a simple change of diet rather than resorting to cosmetic products or prescription drugs.
Acne is caused by an excessive production of sebum (oil).
As skin cells divide pores are often blocked.
The build-up of sebum behind these blocked pores produces blackheads and whiteheads.
More serious infections with spots and pustules occur when an increased amount of bacteria is trapped in hair follicles.
Dr Gustave H Hoehn, MD, believes "diet is the answer to the acne problem".
When comparing diets of the average American with other nations, Hoehn found that Americans had a much higher intake of saturated fats and fatty oils, as well as an increased number of acne sufferers.
"The common ingredient found in the native diets of Italians, Koreans, Japanese and Eskimos is thin oils - olive oils, fish oils, peanut and vegetable oils - while we Americans eat heavier fats, which are found in milk, cheese, and ice cream as well as in bacon, ham and pork, and lard used in many fried foods.
" Michael T Murray, author of Natural Alternatives to Drugs agrees with Hoehn, "A healthful diet rich in natural whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is the first recommendation for treating acne.
" Murray suggests eliminating foods containing trans-fatty acids like milk, cheese, butter and fried foods.
Experts like Hoehn and Murray have failed to make an impression on the NHS however.
The NHS Direct website claims, "Eating greasy food or chocolate does not cause acne.
" The NHS recommends gels, creams, or lotions or in some cases a low-dose oral antibiotic as preferred treatments for acne.
Whilst the NHS does not acknowledge the evidence presented by the likes of Hoehn and Murray, the growing body of evidence is compelling.
Following some of the guidelines listed above could have angst-ridden teenagers spotting the difference in no time.