Stomp Out Acne!

If you are experiencing any of the above forms of acne, guess what…YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  More than 85% of young teens experience acne.  I’m sure that doesn’t make you feel better about your own, but at least you know that tween and teen acne is very common!

There are many terms for acne…zits, pimples, blemishes, blackheads…etc.  The three main contenders are whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.  Here are brief definitions of each: 

• Whiteheads are pores that have become closed and clogged with oil.

• Blackheads are clogged pores that haven’t closed; pigment has turned the oil black.

• Pimples (or zits) are red, inflamed, clogged pores that sometimes are filled with pus.

What causes acne?

There is no absolute reason for acne, but we do know this…As you start to mature, your hormones start acting a little crazy, and you start producing more oil…ever notice at the end of the day your face is a little shiny?  OIL!  Well, oil can become trapped in your pores and eventually bacteria invade.  You are left with any of the above three forms of acne.

How can I treat my acne?

It’s important to understand that there are several ways to target and treat acne.  One way is to kill bacteria that is on the skin.  Many over the counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide (like Clearisil) can be used to kill bacteria. No bacteria no acne, right?  Wrong!

There are still other reasons why we get acne.  For instance, if oil, sweat or dirt becomes clogged in our pores, and then dead skin cells grow over those pores, we get zits or whiteheads.  So we need to make sure that we exfoliate our skin regularly to avoid dead skin cells from piling up on clogged pores. 

Products that can help with this contain Salicylic Acid. This type of acid helps your skin to shed dead skin cells so dirt and bacteria doesn’t get trapped inside.  Neutrogena has a nice facial cleanser that contains 2% Salicylic Acid (that is the proper amount).  You can also purchase a generic brand or Target makes their own as well and it’s really good. 

Also, it is good to use a gentle exfoliating product at least 1x per week.  Like St Ives Apricot blackhead scrub.  This scrub is a bit abrasive so be gentle!  Contrary to popular believe, scrubbing your skin will not make it cleaner, it will actually aggravate acne and may worsen your condition.

So, here is a basic cleansing ritual you can follow:

Morning: Wash with Neutrogena 2% salicylic acid, follow with oil-free moisturizer wherever your skin is dry (I like Oil of Olay). 

Evening: Wash with Cetaphil anti-bacterial soap (it’s gentle and doesn’t dry your skin).  Apply Clearisil benzoyl peroxide cream only to problem areas.  DO NOT USE TOO MUCH. Using too much will dry your skin and cause your skin to produce more oil.  Use only a dab in the areas you experience problems.

Everyone’s skin is different so it may take some time and trying new products before you get your acne under control.  If you have severe acne or are unable to see improvements after using acne control medicine, ask your mom to take you to a dermatologist or get on a regular routine of facials at your local spa.