Teenagers or teens, a person between 13-19 years of age, are undergoing dramatic changes as they continue to experience cognitive development in their lives.
In addition, they also have biological changes caused by puberty. These changes are more likely to be noticeable in the duration of their teenage life, and although there are remarkable changes, there could also be upsetting ones, such as the rise of detectable and irritating acne.
Teenagers, especially, are no strangers to acne, and without proper prevention and treatment, this skin condition can easily get out of control. Acne is also one of the main reasons some teenagers are less confident about their appearance. It is still an ongoing dilemma that they have to go through.
So, here are some ways to prevent, treat, and overcome acne.
But first…
What is Teenage Acne?
Acne, also commonly referred to as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts, are a common skin condition normally faced by teenagers. It usually happens when sebaceous glands (oil glands) make too much natural moisturizers called sebum.
According to a group of experts, sebum is actually a natural lubricant and protectant for the skin, but if too much sebum is being produced, it can clog pores. In addition, if sebum is combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, it wouldn’t take much time at all until acne shows up.
Also, being a teen means that your body produces hormones at a much-increased rate. Hormones called androgens, which are responsible for making the skin’s oil glands larger and forcing it to make more sebum, play a vital role in the build-up of acne.
How to Prevent Teenage Acne?
There is no sure way to prevent acne entirely. But these tips are specific treatment recommendations to reduce the degree of spawning acne and how to overcome the supposed emotional challenges caused by acne:
Tip #1: Wash the skin with clean and warm water.
The first tip is as simple as washing your face with clean water. Washing your face is proven to remove the excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria present on the skin’s surface. Also, washing must not be overdone because too much washing can lead to the skin becoming dry and irritated. According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), washing your face excessively can actually make acne worse.
Water temperature is also an important factor, so dermatologists recommend that we use warm water instead of hot or cold, which can also worsen acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, so washing your skin or face twice a day (morning and night) is more than enough already. You can also partner with a mild cleanser to avoid over-drying the skin after washing.
Tip #2: Stop popping or picking your acne.
Many people tend to have the urge to pick or popping their acne. They think that doing this can hide their acne and reduce any further breakouts, but it’s the other way around. Popping your acne can spread oils that can lead to clogging your other pores. Trying your best to pop your pimples can also lead to the scarring of your skin, and these scars can take up a much longer time to heal. So remember to keep your hands away from your face and have the restraint not to pop your acne.
Tip #3: Apply some sunscreen when spending too much time under the sun.
If you’re the kind of person that likes spending time outside, especially on beaches or biking, you must know that if your skin has too much exposure to the sun, it can worsen your acne. This damages your skin, increases inflammation and makes it even more susceptible to more acne breakouts. So applying a considerate amount of sunscreen, specifically with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher, can reduce or avoid these adverse effects.
Tip #4: Wear new and clean face masks every day.
Always remember to use washed and clean face masks (if you tend to use cloth masks), and to wear a new one, preferably each day, when using disposable masks such as surgical masks, N95 and KN95 masks. When wearing facemasks, the build-up of oil can clog your pores and worsen acne breakout.
Tip #5: Try to avoid stress.
We all know that avoiding stress is easier said than done because what would life be without the presence of stress. But if you’re eager to control your acne breakouts, avoiding stress is a great way to help this issue of yours. It may be a challenging and steep mountain to conquer, but the reward and satisfaction you’ll receive after can never amount up to your struggles.
Acnes are unavoidable to some, and treating it varies from person to person. But don’t let this reason define who you are as a person. So be dedicated to following the treatment plans that your doctor or dermatologist has presented to prevent even more breakouts and help your skin improve. You can also join acne clinical trials if you want to help in finding out new treatments or cures for this condition. Do what you can and do it for your improvement and well-being.