Teen skin can be temperamental. One day it is relatively smooth and clear, but the next it is decorated by a new crop of blackheads and pimples. Since about 85 percent of teens have at least some acne breakouts from time to time, skin blemishes may be an inevitable part of your teen years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, you can make some simple changes to your skin care routine that will reduce your risk of breakouts.
Step 1
Wash your face gently twice each day. Turn down the heat on the water and use a mild soap. Use a fragrance- and dye-free cleanser, but find one that is also acne-formulated if you have oily skin. Skip using a wash cloth and don't scrub your skin, as you risk irritating your skin and causing more breakouts, according to KidsHealth.org.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne gel to your skin. Products that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide as active ingredients will help dry up excess oil and remove dead skin cells. Because these products may initially result in skin irritation, begin by applying one only once per day for the first week, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Look for cosmetics labeled "noncomedogenic," "nonacnegenic" or "oil-free." This means they won't clog your pores and lead to unwanted breakouts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Don't forget to clean cosmetics off your face before bedtime, and toss out old cosmetics that don't look or smell the way they did when you first bought them.
Step 4
Refrain from touching your skin throughout the day. Your skin is more likely to break out if you often casually touch your face and if your skin is in constant contact with objects --- your cell phone, glasses or helmet strap --- that pick up skin oils. Wash your hands frequently, especially before you put on makeup, and regularly clean off surfaces that touch your face. Also, resist the urge to pick and squeeze blemishes, as you may aggravate them and increase risk of infection and scarring.
Step 5
Cover your skin when you go outside. Tanning may cover up some acne, but the effect is temporary. It may cause your body to produce more oil, which may lead to more breakouts, according to KidsHealth.org. To minimize your risk of sun damage, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outside.
Things You'll Need
- Acne-formulated soap
- Over-the-counter acne gel
- Noncomedogenic cosmetics
- Hand soap
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
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