If you are a teenager, you most likely have pimples on your face or other parts of your body, such as your chest or back. Acne is a very common ailment among girls, because the changes that occur in the body stimulate the glands to secrete more sebum, which in turn causes the breakouts. Whether it's a severe or mild case, pimples are a source of stress for any teenager going through this particularly delicate phase of their life. You can effectively treat acne by regularly cleaning your skin and using the right products to heal blemishes.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize the Skin
Step 1. Clean your skin regularly
It is important to wash it systematically to remove dirt, excess sebum and prevent the pores from clogging. Gentle constant cleansing helps treat and prevent acne.
- Choose a mild cleanser with a neutral pH, such as Cetaphil, Aveeno, Eucerin and Neutrogena.
- Most perfumeries and drugstores offer skin care products that do not irritate it.
- If you have very oily skin, choose an oil-free soap. Conversely, if it tends to be dry, choose a cleanser with glycerin or with moisturizing ingredients.
- Do not use solid bars of soap, as they contain substances that can clog pores.
- Wash your skin with warm water. Too hot removes an excessive amount of sebum and can irritate the epidermis.
Step 2. Don't wash too much
Cleaning the skin is just as important as not cleansing it excessively. Overdoing or scrubbing too hard can cause irritation, drain oil, and trigger acne breakouts.
It is enough to wash the areas prone to pimples twice a day, after exercising or sweating, to keep them clean, treat acne and prevent it
Step 3. Apply a moisturizer daily
Choose a specific product for your skin type and apply it after washing your face. Properly moisturized skin reduces the likelihood of dead skin cells blocking pores and pimples. Hydration also limits the redness, dryness and flaking caused by several acne treatments.
- Oily skin also needs to be hydrated. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic cream.
- Ask a dermatologist or an experienced beautician for advice to understand what your skin type is. You can buy specific products for your needs in pharmacies, in many perfumeries and even in the supermarket.
Step 4. Exfoliate regularly
Dead skin clogs pores causing or aggravating acne. By exfoliating it regularly, you eliminate dead skin cells and bacteria responsible for pimples.
- Remember that an exfoliating product only removes the superficial layer of the epidermis and does not penetrate deep enough to get rid of pimples.
- Choose a gentle one with evenly shaped synthetic and natural microgranules. Aggressive scrubs irritate the skin and make the situation worse. A soft cloth can exfoliate the skin.
Step 5. Use hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic creams or soaps
If you apply cosmetics or other skin products, such as moisturizers or sunscreen, choose non-comedogenic ones, as they do not clog pores and prevent future irritation. Also opt for a water-based or mineral-based make-up that is oil-free.
- Products labeled as "non-comedogenic" have been tested for acne-prone skin, do not aggravate existing pimples and do not encourage the formation of new ones.
- All "hypoallergenic" ones have been tested for use on sensitive skin and do not cause irritation.
- There is a wide range of non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products, including make-up, sunscreen and tonics. You can buy them in almost any pharmacy, well-stocked supermarkets, online and in perfumery.
Step 6. Remove your make-up before going to bed
If you go to sleep with makeup or cosmetics on your skin, the pores become clogged. Remove all make-up with a mild cleanser or non-oily makeup remover before bed.
- You can use a specific product, especially if you apply water-resistant make-up, or a mild soap. Most cleaners are effective.
- You should wash your cosmetic brushes or sponges every month using soapy water; in this way, you eliminate the bacteria that can block the pores.
Step 7. Shower after sport and exercise
If you play a lot of sports or are physically very busy, shower when you're done. Sweat promotes the accumulation of sebum and bacteria on the skin and can trigger an acne breakout.
Do not wash yourself with harsh soap. A mild cleanser is all you need
Step 8. Don't touch your face with your hands and fingers
You may be tempted to touch or squeeze the pimples, but try to resist. If you tease and touch the skin, you spread the sebum and bacteria that cause the breakouts, or you could inflame existing acne.
Pinching and touching the skin causes more irritation. Also, always be very careful when placing your hands on your face, as they are a vehicle for the germs responsible for pimples
Step 9. Make healthy food choices
There is evidence that a nutritionally well balanced diet can rid the skin of acne. Avoiding unhealthy foods and junk food prevents the formation of blackheads and other acne blemishes.
- Diets high in fat and sugar slow down cell turnover, causing more blackheads. Try not to eat too many sweets or fried foods.
- Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, including fruits or vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, can accelerate cell regeneration, improving skin health.
- Fruit, yellow or orange vegetables contain a lot of vitamin A and beta-carotene. These substances, combined with a lot of water, increase the turnover of cells and promote the health of the skin, which in this way is less prone to the development of pimples.
- Foods that contain a lot of fatty acids, such as nuts or olive oil, help the skin retain moisture.
- Unhealthy foods also "steal" space for those nutrients you may be eating, which provide the vitamins and antioxidants needed for skin health.
- Proper hydration is an important part of any well-balanced diet. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and skin healthy.
Part 2 of 2: Topical Acne Medicines and Products
Step 1. Wash your hands and face
Before starting any topical acne treatment, cleanse both your hands and face. This way, you minimize the risk of spreading the bacteria responsible for pimples.
- You can wash your hands with any soap and water because it is effective against germs.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser specifically for sensitive skin. A product formulated for skin prone to acne, which blocks the spread of bacteria and prevents the formation of new blemishes, is fine.
Step 2. Absorb excess sebum
This is one of the causes of acne. If you have oily skin, use a topical product or mask that removes the oil. By doing so, you not only get rid of the oiliness, but keep bacteria and dead cells at bay.
- You can choose an over-the-counter salicylic acid treatment or one prescribed by your dermatologist for more severe cases.
- A face mask with clay, applied every week, purifies the skin and eliminates the sebum.
- Alternatively, you can use specific absorbent pads.
- Follow your doctor's instructions or those on the package to avoid using the product excessively and irritating your skin.
- Most "sebum-absorbing" products are available in pharmacies, perfumeries and some supermarkets. You can also find them in some online cosmetics stores.
Step 3. Smear benzoyl peroxide on the acne affected areas
It is an antibacterial drug that kills the microorganisms responsible for pimples. It is found in most over-the-counter treatments and allows you to both manage existing acne and avoid future breakouts.
- You can find formulations with 2, 5 - 5 or 10% benzoyl peroxide. To combat your problem, you should use the purest form available; ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any doubts.
- Start using the product gradually. Apply a gel or lotion with only 2, 5 or 5% of the active ingredient and only once a day, after washing your face.
- If you are not on other drug therapies, increase the frequency to twice a day after a week of use.
- If the situation does not improve after six weeks and the 5% solution does not cause dryness or irritation, you can switch to a 10% concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
Step 4. Go to the doctor
Over-the-counter topical treatments may not bring the desired results when acne is severe or persistent. If you don't notice any improvement after a couple of weeks, see your GP or dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you a stronger drug to treat your case.
Your dermatologist may also recommend special treatments, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or pulsed light treatments
Step 5. Take prescription medications
If your acne is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral medications or a topical cream. Both can cure your ailment and prevent future breakouts.
Step 6. Apply tretinoin
It is a cream with vitamin A that the dermatologist recommends in particularly severe cases. Apply it in the evening to clear the skin of pimples and prevent recurrence.
- You can buy it at any pharmacy.
- Tretinoin makes the skin sensitive to the sun, so remember to always apply protection.
- This substance can irritate the skin, make it red and dry. It could also trigger peeling, although this is a temporary side effect that typically wears off within a few weeks.
- Apply it only in the evening.
- It may take two to three months for you to notice any improvement, so you need to stick to your doctor's schedule and directions.
Step 7. Take antibiotics to kill the bacteria responsible for the blemishes
Take them in the form of tablets to get rid of pimples and whiteheads. Antibiotics can also reduce the swelling and inflammation that accompany severe cases. These medicines are often prescribed in the form of topical creams, also in combination with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, and can be taken for a longer period than by mouth.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding antibiotic therapy.
- Remember that these medicines used to treat acne make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Always apply a sunscreen when going outdoors.
Step 8. Try isotretinoin for very severe cases
If the acne breakout does not go away with other methods, you need to consider this drug. It is a very strong active ingredient that is only prescribed to patients suffering from stubborn acne that does not respond to other treatments, cystic or disfiguring acne.
- Isotretinoin is available only by prescription and some dermatologists prefer not to use it at all, because it causes a lot of dryness to the skin, lips and eyes; it also increases the risk of depression and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Doctors do preventive blood tests for patients because this medicine alters blood cells, cholesterol and liver function.
- Women must prove that they are not pregnant and must use two simultaneous methods of contraception, as isotretinoin causes severe harm to the fetus.
Step 9. Get a prescription for the contraceptive pill
Studies have shown that moderate or severe acne responds well to this treatment. Ask your gynecologist to prescribe it if you don't get good results with other treatments and if the pill is right for you.
- The hormones present in this drug can prevent pimples from forming.
- Be aware that it can take several months for you to notice any results.
- You must have a prescription to purchase oral contraceptives, but parental consent is not required even if you are a minor. The pill increases the risk of blood clots, the gynecologist will then evaluate all the possible risk factors with you; he will also advise you not to smoke during therapy.
