FIGHT ACNE
If you have acne, you have lots of company! About 90 percent of all teenagers put up with those unsightly blemishes. Fortunately, most teens have the milder form of acne and only get a few blackheads or whiteheads now and then. Unfortunately, some teens suffer the more severe variety and have a constant outbreak of zits covering their entire face (and sometimes their neck, back and chest too).
What Causes Acne?
Acne usually starts during puberty, when increased hormone levels cause the skin's oil ("sebaceous") glands to work overtime. Normally, these glands produce an oily substance called "sebum", a mixture of fats and waxes that keeps your the hair and skin moist. When your skin glands produce too much oil, such as during puberty, it can clog up the pores of your skin. If the plug stays below the surface, it is called a whitehead. If it works its way to the surface, oxygen causes it to take on a black color (thus the name "blackhead"). Bright red zits are the result of normal skin bacteria growing on the plug of oil in your skin, resulting in swelling and redness.
Blame the 'rents!
Heredity can play a big role in who gets acne. If one of your parents had acne as a teenager, there is a good chance that you will develop it as well. If both your parents had a problem with pimples, then your chances of getting zits are even higher.
Other Causes of Acne.
Other things that can cause acne, or make it worse, are certain drugs (such as some anti-depressants); exposure to industrial oils, grease and chemicals (that's why kids who work in fast food restaurants often get spotty faces); and stress and strong emotions (which may account for breakouts before the senior prom).
How Do You Get Rid of Acne?
Follow Myjellybean.com's tips to prevent and manage acne breakouts:
Don't Overclean.
Contrary to what you might think, acne is not the result of poor hygiene, and it cannot be washed away. In fact, washing your face too often may remove too much of your skin's natural protective coating of oil, causing it to get damaged and inflamed. Over-washing can also force your skin to produce even more oil, which in turn makes more zits.
In general, stick to washing your face twice a day (morning and night). Avoid abrasive scrubs that cause irritation and forget wearing heavy, skin-clogging foundation or moisturizing creams.
Beware Oily Makeup.
Make sure you never use makeup products that contain oil, since this can lead to further plugging of the pores. (Don't worry, there are oil-free products available!)
Use Over-the-Counter Products.
Your local drugstore is a treasure trove of acne-fighting products. The best ones contain "benzoyl peroxide", which helps to open pimples, unplug blackheads and zap the bacteria that inhabit clogged up pores. Apply whatever zit-fighting product you choose to any pimpley areas once a day - preferably at bedtime. An amount the size of a pea is usually enough to cover most of the face.
Avoid Irritating Your Zits.
Friction from sports equipment chin straps, tight fitting clothes, and even long hours of holding a phone to your cheek can cause irritation. Be careful about touching your face too - the oils from your fingers can be deposited on your face, inflaming zits and causing new ones to start.
Avoid Greasy Foods.
Eating grease won't cause acne, but getting grease all over your face will. Don't eat anything drippy or oil that can spread onto your skin (such as buttered popcorn or fried foods). If you do, cleanse your face afterwards with a facial wipe (such as a Wet Nap) or a splash of cold water.
Keep Hair Clean & Off Your Face.
Hair should be shampooed daily so greasy locks don't transfer extra oils onto facial skin. Even with clean hair, if you're prone to acne on the forehead or hairline, avoid hairstyles that touch your face.
Monitor Sun Exposure.
Do not spend much too time in the sun. Although it seems that drying out your skin with sunlight would help erase acne, the opposite is true! Sun and heat actually increase skin oil production.
Don't Pick!
Would you believe that much of the skin damage with acne is self-inflicted? According to dermatologists, nothing is more likely to produce permanent scarring than squeezing a fresh pimple. Resist the temptation to burst your zits, as this will only injure the skin and underlying tissues. If you are not able to control your acne with sensible home care, then head for your physician's office and ask to be referred to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
What a Dermatologist May Do
Dermatologists have lots of weapons for battling acne, that are only available by medical prescription. These include topical retinoic acid (Retin A), a medicated solution that helps to open clogged pores, and oral antibiotics (such as tetracycline) that help kill surface bacteria that clog pores and contribute to skin inflammation. In addition, a dermatologist can suggest other treatments (such as laser treatment) or drugs for more extreme cases of acne.