Skin Conditions - Pimples and Everything Else!

I'm new to this site so here are some questions that kill my brain!
Is acne a genetic thing? There are a few people that I've seen that have NEVER had acne and it surprises me.

I have acne all around my face and some on my chest, shoulders and back. I have black heads around most of my face too. I'm 17 now and have had acne since I was 12 and I always pick at them.

There's this skin condition I've had for about two years so far ( I don't know where exactly this post should go so I put it on acne, sorry). There are red, and very dry patches of skin on my face that won't go no matter what! They are found on my nose and on both cheeks.  It peels if I don't put on any type of moisturizer and it gets a lot worse every time I finish showering. Maybe its the heat or steam, I'm not so sure. I've used many different types of creams and some will hide it a bit and makes it feel less rough but it keeps spreading little by little. It has always been on the sides of my nose and is now on my cheeks and just recently on the tip of my nose. My entire nose has been completely red for a long time now and I want to know if there's a way to cure this entire condition.

If there's any other information you must need to find a conclusion to this, please ask away. I'll post pictures if I need so you can see how it looks like.

Thanks.

[loiloi]

Welcome to the Acne Forum, I am Eloise the Community Leader.
Acne occurs when the patient has high levels of androgens, or a particular sensitivity to the effects of androgens. Androgens are hormones, such as testosterone. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. Bacteria on the skin feeds off this excess oil (called sebum) blocking the pores and resulting in inflammed spots. There is a lack of medical evidence that diet effects acne. Acne is "unfair", some people have higher levels of androgens than others.
The red patches on your face may be related to your acne, or may be a unrelated co-existing condition such as eczema or dermatitis. Start by using a bland soap-free cleanser which will not irritate either skin condition, my favorite is Physiological Cleasning Gel by La Roche-Posay.
Over the counter acne creams are of limited benefit, so see your doctor for a prescription strength cream such as Differin (adapalene). This is very effective and generally well tolerated. Your doctor may also prescribe a course of oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline, to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Most people outgrow their tendancy for acne after adolesence and medicine can keep it under control in the meantime.
Best Wishes, Eloise.