Acne

By: Skye Englund

About 95 percent of American teens suffer from acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne is one of the major battles we fight during the teen years along with the teachers, parents, friends, and relationships that we all stress over. We can’t eliminate all of the stress but we can reduce it by knowing how to take care of acne. Acne is an unwelcome nuisance. Thankfully there are ways to help the process go faster. Teenagers can’t stop acne because of what’s going on biologically, but there are ways to reduce the silent enemy.

What is acne?

A pimple is produced when a pore is clogged by dead skin and bacteria (dirt) the oil is then trapped under the surface which causes the pimple or a black head.

What can cause acne?

Acne remedies are not for all people. Some may have the opposite effect so read all the labels and watch out for any symptoms. Mixing two products together may result in chemical reactions that can be dangerous. When you wash your face with harsh soaps and scrubs you wash off the natural oil that is there to protect your skin from the elements. The body starts to make an abundance of oil, which can cause acne. Bacteria (dirt) causes acne, so keep your hands away from your face as much as possible or keep them clean through out the day.

How to prevent it?

First you have to investigate what foods and makeup cause an allergic reaction. You should try a variety of makeup and hair products to find which ones cause the least irritation. It’s important to keep your face and hands clean after PE or sports. The sweat, dirt, and bacteria can create or cause the spreading of acne. Gently buffing off the dead skin weekly will keep the pores clear. Eating fresh fish and berries can really help keep skin clear because of the antioxidants that are in these foods. Hats and sheets should be washed regularly, because they can cause the spread of acne.

Once I have a pimple what can I do?

Unfortunately there isn’t an instant remedy to get rid of the pimple. You can dry up an already existing pimple with a benzoyl peroxide 5% and under. Washing your face gently with a 2% Salicylic acid product every night will keep the acne from spreading and will also remove dead skin cells. One thing you never want to do is to pop or pick it. That causes pressure which spreads and creates a bigger pimple above and inside the pore. Scar tissue can form when there is damage creating a indentation in the face long after the pimple is gone. The most frustrating part of having a pimple is to be patient and never pick. You may want to consult a skin care specialist before taking your fingers to your face.