If you suffer from acne, you are far from being alone.  Acne affects 5.6 million Canadians, nearly 20 percent of the population.  Unfortunately, acne usually strikes during the teenage years, a fragile time in one’s life.  For nearly half of all sufferers, acne lingers into their thirties.  Acne occurs when the sebaceous gland produces too much oil (‘sebum’) causing bacteria to build up.  Teens and pregnant women are more prone to acne breakouts as it is often triggered by hormonal changes.  Some will experience the occasional breakout, while others will have much more severe episodes.