Acne is a common skin condition that begins in the teen years when fluctuating hormones cause the overproduction of oil, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria in the skin's pores to form acne blemishes. Acne is a cause for concern in teenagers because it affects their self-esteem and can be painful. For these reasons, a quick fix is needed to start reducing acne breakouts until a teenager's hormones become more regulated, which typically occurs by age 25.
Step 1
Cease the following actions: picking or popping at zits and using makeup that contains oil. These two habits can directly contribute to teenage acne, and stopping them can immediately mark an improvement, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Look for skin and makeup products labeled as "non-comedogenic" instead.
Step 2
Wash your hands regularly and be sure to clean off areas like your phone, which can collect oil and skin residue, according to KidsHealth. Constantly touching your face can spread bacteria to your skin, so be sure your hands are clean when doing so.
Step 3
Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The cleanser can be in bar or face-wash form; just be sure to rinse it off thoroughly with warm water.
Step 4
Utilize over-the-counter spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. By using these treatments, you can dry up the pimple's contents from the inside out, according to Dr. Andrew Alexis, a dermatologist with the American Academy of Dermatology interviewed on ABC-7 Los Angeles. Teenagers can start with a 5-percent solution, while very oily skin may be suited for a 10-percent solution. Apply these twice daily to any pimples, and you should quickly experience a noticeable difference.
Step 5
Use an exfoliating facial scrub once per week to remove any dead skin cells and dirt that can clog the pores, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. To use, dampen the face with a warm, wet washcloth and then apply the scrub in a gentle, circular motion. Resist the urge to really "scrub" the skin, which can create scratches.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not experience relief from acne symptoms after eight weeks of over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with a dermatologist, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Your dermatologist can provide stronger medications to help you fight acne.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle cleanser
- Over-the-counter spot treatment
- Exfoliating facial scrub
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