What Teens Can Do About Acne

Acne can be a combination of red pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and it starts to happen during the early teen years. It's widely known as the puberty stage. So don't feel like you're the only one suffering from acne. Acne.com states that 90% of teenagers worldwide get acne. Some only get a little bit of acne, while others suffer from acne so severely that it lowers their self-esteem and causes them not to want to leave the house because of the sheer embarrassment. Acne also makes some teenagers depressed because they feel ugly while they compare themselves to other classmates or friends who may have better complexions than them.

Unfortunately, if your parents had acne when they were teens, more than likely you will too. It's a hereditary thing. But don't fret! Usually most of it goes away once you reach adulthood.

Why is it that teenagers are prone to acne? Once a teen hits puberty, her body starts to produce androgens, a type of hormone that are common in both boys and girls. Typically, androgens are produced more heavily in boys which is why they suffer from more severe breakouts than girls.

During this stage, oil glands are working hard to produce oil, also known as sebum. This is to help form a layer of protection between a teen's skin and the outside world. It keeps the skin smooth and soft.

But once androgens hit the scene, the teen's oil glands go crazy. Even more oil is produced. This causes clumps of oil and dead skin cells to get mixed together. This nasty mixture then slips into the teen's pores and clogs them up.

Unfortunately, there is no stop button for the oil glands. They keep on producing more oil! The hair follicles in the teen's skin swell up. In an effort to protect her body, the teen's white bloods flood the area in an attempt to clean up the mess. That's when the teen experiences ugly red, and sometimes painful bumps also known as acne or zits. She will also see black spots better known as blackheads.

Despite popular belief, acne is not caused by fried foods, chocolate, masturbation, or sex.

Washing the face usually isn't high on a teenager's priority list. But washing the face with warm water and a mild skin cleanser is a great way to reduce pimples. But don't overwash because it will leave the skin dry.

Say no to using toner with alcohol on the skin. Such products do nothing but strip the top layer of the facial skin. This only causes the skin glands to work even harder to produce more oil. The result are more zits and flaky skin.

Teenagers can also scrub their skin. But they must use a gentle formula. Do not use formulas that contain apricot or almond shell fragments. These products tend to tear at the skin and aggravate it even more.

As tempting as it may be, keep hands off the skin. Fight the urge to pick or pop acne with fingernails or anything else because bacteria will get further into the pores of the skin. The skin will get infected or inflamed and may receive a permanent, unattractive scar.

If a teen chooses to wear makeup, whether she is allowed or not, try to go for products that are oil-free and won't clog the pores. Please keep this in mind when choosing products for sunscreen, skin, and hair as they will eventually get into the skin one way or another. Clogged up pores lead to ugly acne.

Some teens love to accessorize, but be wise about it. If worn all the time, acne will appear because oils will get caught in the material and then go back into the skin.

Over-the-counter acne products can help reduce blemishes. Such products come in many forms, including gels, soups, pads, and creams. These products contain things like benzoyl peroxide which helps treat acne. But they must be used with caution as they may irritate the skin. One must remember that pimples will not disappear overnight. It may take up to 2 months because there are any changes in the skin.

If none of the above helps, consult a dermatologist for medication or other ways to help with acne.

Acne and Adolescence, Acne.com