If there is one thing that's certain about being a teenager, that would be the nasty acne. In fact, the estimated population of acne sufferers in the United States is about 17 million and 85 percent of these are teenagers, according to an article by Daniel P. Krowchuk, MD of Pediatrics in Review. The skin is our largest organ that holds every inch of our physical being together. However, when acne sets in its effects can be devastating both on the physical and psychological aspects of a person.
What is acne?
Acne is a condition medically referred to as "acne vulgaris". It is a chronic skin condition that could last for years. Acne can manifest in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, spots, and nodules that mostly affect the person's face. Other causes of acne also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Teenagers who have acne are at risk for emotional distress. Not to mention the fact that acne can also wreak havoc to a teenager's self-esteem. Others even develop the symptoms of depression because of it. Acne has no cure but, but it can be treated and Natural Acne Clinic and many other Acne Clinics have already been offering acne treatment to acne sufferers for years with a 95 percent success rate. This goes to say that help is available in many ways so acne sufferers don't have to wallow in depression. They just have to reach out and take action. Below are some ways on how to better manage acne as a teenager.
Avoid picking your skin.
Although it can be difficult to resist the urge to pick but you have to avoid it. Picking or popping your acne may only worsen it. When you try to pop it, your skin will be stretched thereby causing ugly-looking marks. Picking can also cause permanent scars.
Make gentle skin washing a habit.
Being gentle would not only mean avoiding skin products that contain harsh chemicals. It also means not overdoing it. Washing your face two times a day would be enough. Acne sufferers may find their skin looking too oily and this leads many teenagers to resort to frequent washing. However, frequent washing may only irritate the skin more because the more you wash it, the drier it becomes, which leads to more breakouts. It is also important to use warm water because cold water won't be enough to properly cleanse the skin.
Opt for non-comedogenic products.
If you're an acne sufferer, anything that you apply or put on your skin should be non-comedogenic. Check those labels found in your facial wash, sunscreen, moisturizers, and makeup products. There should be something there that says "non-comedogenic." If it does not say so, better leave that product on the shelf. This is because the products that are comedogenic may clog your skin pores and this would definitely be bad news if you've got acne.
Remember that acne-free skin doesn't happen overnight.
It may take weeks or even months for you to find the kind of treatment that's perfect for your type of skin. So, if your dermatologist prescribes an acne treatment, don't expect it to eliminate your acne overnight. Do expect that breakouts may continue to occur. In fact, it may even get worse because this is your skin's way of responding to the treatment. However, always remember that acne treatment will certainly be a gradual process.
The presence of acne should not be taken lightly especially if you're a teenager. If left untreated, it could leave ugly scars that you would have to endure for life. Always follow the dermatologist's advice and you will surely be on your way to clearer, acne-free skin.
