Being a teenager is no easy task. Physical and mental changes can throw a teenager’s life off gear. Acne is one of the more unpleasant companions of one’s teenage years.
Acne can take many forms, such as pimples, cysts, blackheads or whiteheads. Teens get acne due to the hormonal changes, which come with puberty. Many teenagers get acnes due to heredity too.
The sebaceous glands usually secrete the right amount of sebum in the body. But in teens, due to hormonal changes in the body, the glands become more active and secrete excessive sebum. This results in clogging of pores due to too much of dead skin cells and sebum. Bacteria and other microbes get trapped in the pores, resulting in acne.
But just because teenage acne is common does not mean it cannot be treated!
If you are a teen or a parent of a teen, then this article will come in handy. Listed here are 20 effective treatments, which could reduce your acne and avoid future breakouts too:
An integral part of curing teen or any type of acne is to keep your face clean. It is essential that you cleanse your face at night and in the morning. By cleansing, you can keep your skin dirt and oil free, which prevents further breakouts in the skin. Cleanse your face gently. Avoid using any harsh textured materials to cleanse your face.
Oily skin results in breakouts and if your skin is very dry, the body compensates by producing extra oils. Certain acne products might leave your skin dry and coarse. Switch such products with gel- based moisturizers for oily skin or cream-based moisturizers if you have dry skin. If you are about to step out, then use moisturizers with small amount of SPF to protect the skin from more irritation.
Exfoliating helps in removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Exfoliating products usually come in cream form, which needs to be worked on the skin for few minutes before being washed off.
After cleansing your face, dab a cotton ball with some toner and apply it all over your face. This product helps in tightening the pores and prevents dirt, oil and other impurities getting trapped in it. Choose acne toners or those with apple cider vinegar or witch hazel. Do not rinse away the toner. Let it stay on your skin.
Many people have the habit of touching the face consciously as well as unconsciously. Touching the face can cause the spread of bacteria from your hands to your face, resulting in inflammation and other problems.
Water is essential for your body as well as your skin. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday would definitely help you to have a clear looking skin.
Scientists believe that junk foods alone cannot directly cause breakouts in the skin. It is very important that you follow a good diet, by taking at least 5 portions of wholegrain, vegetables and fruits every day. Healthy body gives a better skin. This diet would definitely reflect on your skin just within a week.
Your pillow cover is generally full dust, bacteria and other acne causing agents. It is important that you change your pillow covers once in 3- 4 days. Changing the cover would prevent the acne problem getting worse.
Many experts believe that stress can cause breakouts in the skin. Stress can be directed away by involving yourself in healthy activities, which would rejuvenate your mind and keeps your skin clear.
Exercising everyday can help you to reduce stress and helps in optimizing the blood flow throughout the body. Do not forget to take a shower after exercising. It helps in preventing the dirt and sweat clogging your pores and resulting in breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in the form of soap or lotion for your acne prone areas in the skin. The products are formulated to regenerate clean and new cells faster. Choose products with 3% or less of benzoyl peroxide to avoid irritation.
Similar to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and promote new skin growth. As a result, skin dries of near your acne, but the dryness slows down with the regeneration of your skin. Try using this acid in cleansers and spot treatments everyday on acne prone areas.
Sulfur is known as a great acne killer. Choose cleansers and other products containing sulfur to clear your breakouts by reducing the oil production in the skin.
Cleansers with retinoid contain high levels of Vitamin A. It helps in cleaning out your clogged pores and dissolves the grime.
Tea tree oil is one of the best antibacterial agents that helps clear out the microbes, which clogs your pores. Gently apply cotton swab with few drops of the oil and swipe on the acne prone areas. Avoid too much of this oil, since it would result in burning sensation and would worsen redness.
Facial peels come in the form of gel containing acids which helps in getting rid of dead skin and microbes containing cells. Using such peels regularly can reduce breakouts. It also aids in maintaining your skincare regime.
Many dermatologists offer laser treatments to kill the overactive oil secreting glands under the skin. This treatment might be painful, but helps to reduce acne by about 50%.
Unlike laser treatments, light treatments use mild pulses of light and specialized wand to kill bacteria. This treatment also has a positive effect on killing the breakouts without pain.
Sleeping helps in relaxing your body and also detoxifies it. Skin renews your skin cells when you are sleeping, so it is essential that you sleep for at least 8 hours. Regulate the habit of sleeping at a consistent time every day.
Many people use a lot of products to cover up their breakouts. Choose acne fighting and oil-free mineral makeup, which makes sure that the breakouts do not worsen and also aids in hiding them. People with severe acne problems should try to avoid makeup, since it clogs your pores throughout the day.
And remember, acne or no acne, your teenage days are precious. Do not let a breakout or two ruin these beautiful days.
What do you do to control acne? Share your tips with us in the comments section below.