Acne.  Contrary to popular belief, this oftentimes devastating skin condition can strike at any age.  Some teens may spend their entire high school and college careers acne-free, only to reach age 25 and have a sudden breakout that will not go away without treatment.  Other teens may spend years with acne, and undergo numerous treatments, only to have the condition suddenly disappear in adulthood.

There are many causes of acne, but age is not one of them.  According to the Mayo Clinic, acne is caused by:

• Overproduction of oil (sebum)
• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of your skin
• Buildup of bacteria

Depending on the severity of acne or oily skin (a major cause of acne), it may be treated internally with antibiotics such as tetracycline and/or externally with prescription strength soaps or creams.  In mild cases, over-the-counter gels, creams and soaps might help dry skin and inhibit the growth of oil and bacteria.

In some cases, acne sufferers may have this condition, in addition to extremely sensitive skin.  This means, harsh chemicals might help clear acne, but they can also irritate sensitive skin.  If you have a mild case of acne and you have sensitive skin, there are a number of all natural, cruelty free acne treatments on the market today. C ruelty free acne treatments are (of course) safe for vegans, vegetarians and most people with sensitive skin.

According to CaringConsumer.com, there are literally dozens of cosmetics companies that carry acne treatments that have not been tested on animals.  Just a few of the top skin care companies that carry quality, cruelty-free products include Clarins, Beauty Without Cruelty and Almay.

Clarins was established in 1954.  In 1987, Clarins became the first cosmetics company to stop all product testing on animals and in 1991, it stopped using cellular extracts of animal origin.  The Clarins Group prides itself on consumer safety and the protection of both the environment and animals.  So, since 1994 the French company has not used any ingredients of animal origin in its formulas.  This move cemented Clarins’ place in history as the first cosmetics company to end the use of ingredients derived from animals.  Instead of using animal ingredients, Clarins uses plants – the key component of the Clarins brand.  The use of plants has benefited many animal species as well as the environment.  Clarins sells cruelty-free cosmetics, face and body care products, and fragrances.

Clarins products can be purchased online through the official Clarins website at www.Clarins.com, or at a number of Clarins cosmetics counters around the world.  Just a few of the fine department stores currently carrying the Clarins brand include: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.  Clarins can also be purchased at Sephora and a number of freestanding Clarins stores around the world.  To search for a Clarins’ counter or freestanding store in your area, visit the official website to search for stores by city and state. www.Clarins.com

Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) was founded in 1963 in England.  The trustees of BWC Charitable Trust, an animal welfare organization, came together for a common goal – to manufacture and distribute natural color cosmetics that were not tested on animals, and products that did not contain any animal ingredients.  Beauty Without Cruelty offers a full line of cruelty-free, vegetarian skin, body and hair care products, made from natural ingredients and organic aroma-therapeutic essential oils.  Beauty Without Cruelty’s full line of color cosmetics reaches across all lines in order to meet the beauty needs of all women.

Beauty Without Cruelty Products may be purchased from your local natural foods retailer, and at some drug stores and vitamin shops.  You can also purchase BWC products online directly from the Beauty Without Cruelty website: www.BeautyWithoutCruelty.com.

Almay has been in business since 1931.  Even back then, Almay used pure, hypoallergenic ingredients that were safe for even the most sensitive skin.  Almay was the world’s first hypoallergenic cosmetics brand, and the first brand to make 100% fragrance-free products.  It was also one of the first cosmetics companies to disclose all ingredients used, the first brand to perform safety testing for allergy irritation, the first brand to formulate for contact lens wearers and the first brand to create cosmetics regimens for specific skin types.  Almay does not test on animals and it uses natural ingredients such as soybean, rosehips, licorice and aloe, to name just a few.  Almay products can be purchased online through the official website or at any beauty supply house, cosmetics retailer or drug store.