The truth is that we don't know the entire story, but there are several facts that are known. Acne is caused by several contributing factors. Hormones are a major influence on acne. That's why you don't see acne before puberty.

In women, birth control pills can either aggravate or improve acne. This probably depends on your response to the progestins in birth control pills. Bacteria contribute to acne - which is why either oral or topical antibiotics help.

• First, the correct cleansing regime for your particular skin type.
• Second, an excellent topical exfoliant to unroof the stratum corneum (glycolic, lactic, azeleic acids).
• Third, a dermal growth stimulator (tretinoin, retinoids, retinols).
• Fourth, the correct nutrients to promote dermal growth (topical C, topical E).
• Fifth, photoprotection (Topical C, titanium dioxide) from the suns ever increasing damaging UVA and UVB rays.

A wrinkle is defined as a crease or furrow in the skin caused by the natural process of aging, by excessive exposure to the sun's damaging rays, or environmental insults. For example, if you look in the mirror and see crow’s-feet around your eyes, these are wrinkles. If you stretch a wrinkle in the crow's-feet area, you will still see it.

Yes. And though the improvements can last many years, they are far from permanent and may have to be repeated at periodic intervals.

Dermabrasion and medium-depth chemical peels have both been used for many years to improve the appearance of superficial wrinkling, eliminate sun-induced pigmentation and keratoses, and to improve the overall surface texture of the skin.

In the past decade, laser resurfacing has become very popular and for the most part has begun to replace the other two procedures because the results are easier to control and predict.

Laser resurfacing, however, is usually more expensive. All three procedures, if done correctly, are relatively safe, although localized scarring and pigment alterations can occur in a small percentage of patients.