Acne is a condition common among many teenagers. It’s actually so common that it is regarded as a usual phase of puberty.
Acne can continue for years after past the adolescent stage but for most people, it disappears by the time they turn 20. The good news is that you do not have to wait that long. Here is a list of things you should know about acne, what causes it, and the best acne treatment for teens.
1. Just What Exactly Is Acne
Acne is a skin condition that manifests itself through various types of bumps. They can be cysts, pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. The acne most teenage girls experience is called ‘acne vulgaris’ which appears on the skin, neck, face, shoulders, and chest.
2. What Causes Acne
Acne is not self-inflicted and is caused by factors beyond individual control. Acne appears as a result of the skin pores getting clogged with excess oil. Bacteria thrives in this oil and when combined with dead skin cells, causes acne breakout.
3. Acne Is Normal and Highly Common
Acne is probably the most common skin condition in the world as it affects over 95% of all teenagers in the United States. A lot of teenagers will have at least one acne blackhead, pimple, or whitehead by the time they turn 16 so you should not be too concerned as they will disappear as you grow older.
4. Cosmetics or Fast Food Does Not Cause Acne
Wearing foundation or lipstick or eating from McDonald’s will not give you acne and there is little scientific evidence to suggest anything along those lines. However, drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet can do your skin a world of good.
5. Washing Your Face Will Not Get Rid of Acne
Cleaning your face or exfoliating will not clear your blemishes. They might actually work against you as they may end up irritating or drying your face thus prompting the skin to produce more oil.
6. Out of Body Factors Can Worsen Acne
As much as your genetic code and hormones decide whether or not you will have acne, external factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and lack of self-care that exposes you to dirt, oil, and bacteria can determine how severe the breakout is.
7. Sun Exposure Can Work in Your Favor
Sunbathing your skin for about 10 to 20 minutes every day can help reduce acne breakouts. However, too much exposure can prove counterproductive especially if you are not wearing any sunscreen.
8. Acne Can Be Treated
To reduce or prevent oil build-up on the skin, try and wash your face once or twice a day with warm water and mild soap. Acne cannot be scrubbed away so avoid scrubbing with a cloth as this might irritate your skin. Use your fingertips to gently wash for your face as this method is the best acne treatment for teens.
9. You Might Need to Visit a Dermatologist
If your acne seems to be getting out of control, you might have to get prescription medication from a certified dermatologist as they will provide you with advice on how to best treat your condition.
10. Your Acne Will Not Disappear Instantly
Forget about what you hear on TV ads about how a person used a product and their skin was cleared up instantly. It takes up to 6 weeks for the remedy to start working so be patient.
Final Thoughts
If you made it through your entire teen life without experiencing a breakout, then you’re one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately, despite its prevalence among teenagers, a lot of them still end up getting embarrassed by acne. It gives them low self-esteem and even depression in severe cases.
Try and reach out to your parents or close friends if you feel overwhelmed by acne as they can help find solutions to keep your breakout under control.
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