Contrary
to what you may have heard, acne is not caused by dirty skin,
eating chocolate, or drinking lots of soda. Acne is caused by
overactive oil glands in the skin. These glands become stimulated
with the hormones that come with puberty. Some people have more
of a reaction to their hormone levels than others.
Although
there is no surefire way to prevent acne, there are several ways
to help reduce the number and severity of your breakouts.
Although
washing your skin is essential (it helps remove excess surface
oils and dead skin cells that can clog your pores), washing too
much can actually cause damage by overdrying your skin or irritating
existing acne.
As
a general rule, wash your skin twice a day with a mild soap and
water. Avoid harsh alcohol-based cleansers and cleansers that
contain oil and use your hands instead of a washcloth. Never scrub
your skin and always gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
Remember
to wash after exercising because sweat can clog your pores and
make your acne worse. If you work around greasy food or oil or
if you've been sweating from heat or because you've been working
hard, wash your face and other acne-prone areas as soon as possible.
If
you use skin products, such as lotions or makeup, look for ones
that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means
that they don't clog pores.
If
you can't live without your hair spray or styling gel, be sure
to keep them away from your face as much as possible. Many hair
products contain oils that can make acne worse. Wash your sheets
and pillowcases frequently to avoid sleeping on built-up dirt,
oil, or dead skin cells.
If
you get acne on areas such as your chest or back, avoid wearing
tight clothes, which can rub and cause irritation.
Treatments
Some teens find that over-the-counter products available that
can help clear up prevent acne. It may take some time to find
the one that works best for you - some may not do the trick and
others may cause irritation.
What
about pimples you already have? It's a tempting thought, but popping
or squeezing a pimple usually won't get rid of the problem. Squeezing
can actually push infected material and pus further into the skin,
which can lead to more swelling, redness, and even scarring.
In
general, acne decreases through time, though some adults continue
to get pimples. Many teens choose to see a doctor to get professional
treatment. This might involve prescription gels or creams, pills,
or a combination of both. It may feel pretty awkward or embarrassing
to talk about your acne with someone, especially a stranger, but
your doctor is trained to help get your skin looking its best.
Even
if your skin clears up, you should finish your entire prescription
unless your dermatologist says you can stop. If you stop too early,
there's a chance your skin could break out all over again.
Reviewed by: Neil
Izenberg, MD
Date reviewed: June 2002
Originally reviewed by: Patrice
Hyde, MD
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