If you’re a teen, chances are pretty good that had acne to some degree or the other. In fact about eight out of ten teenagers have acne. Acne is considered a normal part of growing up. But it is a painful part of growing up. Being a teen is a tough period of anyone’s life, harder when you are faced with the ridicule and embarrassment that accompanies acne.
Teenagers always want to look good. Peer pressure can make it very difficult to stay on top of it when they are struggling with acne. The good news is that learning about acne, and taking some simple steps, can help you in getting rid of acne.
Teens get a type of acne called acne vulgaris. It is a big word, but it has a simple meaning. Acne vulgaris just means common acne. The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. Teens are so susceptible to acne because of the hormone changes that come with puberty. These hormones stimulate the oil glands of the skin to make more oil, and the glands can become overactive. When there is too much oil, the pores can get clogged leading to acne.
No matter what you’ve heard, acne isn’t caused because you are unhygienic. So don’t think that getting rid of acne involves repetitive skin washing. It isn’t necessarily caused by some of the foods that we eat, like chocolate either.
Rather, acne is caused by a combination of things that go on under your skin. Hormones do have a role, of course. Genetics play a part; If your parent had acne as a teen, it’s likely that you will, too. Stress is said to aggravate acne. What ever the contributing factor, acne is a fact of life will have you looking for ways of getting rid of acne that are quick and easy.
Well, getting rid of acne may be easy, but you should know that it is not always that quick. Acne is an inflammation and infection combined, and the skin needs time to heal. The healing process can take days, to weeks, and even up to months. It depends on the extent and severity of the acne. While it is hard to cope with acne, you have to be patient. It will clear up.
The easiest remedy for getting rid of acne is at your drug store. There are a variety of brands in various forms of application. You can buy lotions, creams, ointments, and wipes. The strengths differ as well, from mild to extra strength. Basically what is available is confined to use of one of two chemicals. Products with ‘benzoyl peroxide’ kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation. ‘Salicylic acid’ on the other hands, drys acne out. Which ever product you use take care not to use both at the same time. Combining both of these products can cause a reaction on your skin which is just going to make the acne look worse. Take the time to read the label for the active ingredient before you purchase the product.
There are some things that you should not do if you acne. Don’t pick at it, it will just make it worse. Unlike popular belief, direct sun is not good for your skin. Sun, yes, but not without the use of a sun screen. Suntans tend to help blend in the acne, but the damage done by the sun can be long term. Don’t scrub at your face when you wash it. Scrubbing vigorously will make getting rid of acne harder by making the acne worse. Just wash it two or three times a day, gently with your hands, using a mild soap or a soap designed for getting rid of acne.
If over-the-counter drug store remedies don’t work, and the acne is very persistent and severe, then you should consider seeing a doctor. Doctors have access to stronger medicines or creams that can be prescribed and used under supervision. These medications can pack quite a punch, so make sure the potential side effects are clearly explained.
Acne is a fact of live, but look at on the bright side. It can be managed, it is treatable.