If you are a teenager, it is highly likely that you suffer from acne in one form or another. For some, breakouts are mild to moderate, while others experience more extreme acne, with larger or more blemishes. For some, acne lasts longer than others. Many adults still deal with acne, but to a more moderate degree than is generally faced by teenagers.
The first thing to realize about acne is that it’s not your fault. Yes, there are things you can do to make your acne worse. And yes there are things that you can and should do to help control your acne, which help reduce the extremity of breakouts, and help reduce the likelihood of scarring. But as to the existence of your acne itself: it’s not your fault. It happens to almost everyone and there’s nothing specific that you did to ‘cause’ it.
The Hormone Problem
Acne generally flares up during times in life when hormones are fluctuating, changing, or otherwise increased. This is why girls often experience acne differently throughout their monthly menstrual cycles: their hormones are changing. This is also why teenagers experience acne more strongly than any other age. As you go through puberty, your body is in a state of constant flux. Your hormones are bringing you from childhood to adulthood, and those hormones increase the oil that is produced on your face. This oil contributes to clogged pores, which then get infected, as well as feeds the bacteria that do the infecting and cause visible blemishes.
What You Can Do
You can’t stop your hormones from changing. However, you can help your skin be in the best condition possible to fight infection, heal quickly, and stay healthy to avoid scarring.
Use an acne face wash or scrub that uses one of the main acne fighting ingredients. Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient, as is benzoyl peroxide. Wash regularly (1-2 times a day), but not excessively. Extra washing can damage and dry out the skin, causing it to over-produce oil to balance this out, which only makes your acne worse.
Use a good moisturizer. Many moisturizers are on the market that are specifically designed to treat acne. They help fight infection, while keeping your face healthy and balanced.
Use sunscreen. Again, there are oil-free options. Protecting your skin from the sun keeps it healthy and allows it to heal faster when blemishes do arise.
What You Can Hope For
If over the counter treatment doesn’t work, try a more intensive, specialized acne regimen such as Proactiv, or see a dermatologist. Your acne will likely clear up as you get into your late teens and 20s. However, it’s important to practice good hygiene, protect your skin from sun damage, and avoid popping pimples, in order to reduce the likelihood of dealing with acne scars as an adult.
