In your teen years, it can seem as though acne has plans to take over your life. As soon as you manage to get one pimple to subside, an even larger one pops up in another place. At least you're not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 85 percent of teens in the United States will have acne each year. While some unchangeable factors such as hormones and genetics are thought to contribute to acne, making a few changes in your routine can improve the quality of your skin.
Cleanse Daily
Commit to washing your face a couple of times each day, but don't expend much effort scrubbing at your face because you could actually aggravate your acne by doing so. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water and lather in small circles to get rid of surface oils and dead cells. If you are in contact with items that could expose your skin to more oil---glasses on your nose or a helmet strap on your chin, for example---carry cleansing pads and wipe down your skin from time to time.
Avoid Oily Products
Make-up and lotions that are oil based can cause worse acne problems. Discovery Health online recommends that girls who wish to wear foundation purchase only the kind that is labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic," meaning they won't clog pores. Moisturizers are generally unnecessary for teens with acne, but teens who have dry patches in certain areas of their faces should only use "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" moisturizers in dry areas. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an over-the-counter lotion that contains acne-reducing benzoyl peroxide.
Even oily hair products such as shampoos and hair gels can cause additional acne problems when the hair touches the face. Stick to gentle hair products such as baby shampoo.
Stop Touching Your Face
When you touch your face, you are likely to spread bacteria and cause additional inflammation in your pores. Wash your hands on a regular basis, especially before you plan to use your fingers to spread cosmetics on your skin. The "no touch" rule particularly applies to pimple popping; if you don't want to cause more swelling and potential scarring, don't pop your pimples. A dermatologist may be able to help you get rid of a pimple in a healthier way if you have a last-minute dilemma such as a big nose zit two days before senior photos.
Cover Your Skin
As strange as it may seem, taking extra efforts to protect your skin from the sun can also help you get rid of acne. According to KidsHealth online, tanning can cause your body to produce extra sebum and make your acne worse than before. (Not to mention, tanning leads to extra wrinkles and potentially fatal skin cancer.) Wear protective sun gear such as a wide-brimmed hat and wear plenty of "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" sunscreen on any area of your skin that is exposed to sun. Reapply every two hours and when sweat or water wipes off the sunscreen.
See a Dermatologist
If you're doing everything you can to reduce your acne but you notice no improvement in your skin, consider seeing a dermatologist. A dermatologist can offer you additional tips as well as treatment options that are specific to your skin type and lifestyle.
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