Teens' Guide to Putting Your Best Face Forward
Don't let the stars of your favorite teen sitcom fool you--perfect skin is not the norm for the average
teenager. Many people battle acne from as early as 12 or 13 all the way into middle adulthood. Hormonal
changes are mostly to blame, but there are many things you can do to reduce or eliminate the appearance of
redness, bumps and discoloration caused by acne. This article outlines some of the most effective ways to
manage acne.
When a nasty pimple rears its ugly head, you might be tempted to cover it with concealer or heavy foundation
and leave it at that. While this is an acceptable quick fix, it is not likely to offer a long-term solution.
Before putting on your makeup, apply a small amount of an acne spot treatment. This allows the area to absorb
the medication and forms a barrier that prevents makeup from clogging your pores.
With so many different anti-acne products on the market, it's difficult to single out the most effective one
at a glance. As you read labels and research brands, you should first consider your skin type. Is it
predominantly dry, oily or sensitive? Are your pimples small bumps under the surface of the skin, or do they
manifest as patches of open lesions? Choose a product that is specially formulated to meet your specific skin
care needs.
Most people admit to regularly picking and popping angry zits, but you are better served by avoiding this
guilty pleasure. Every time you touch your face, you are transferring bacteria, dirt and oils from your
fingers to your skin. As a result, your condition may actually worsen. Furthermore, this bad habit can lead to
lifelong scarring and pitting. Control yourself--it's definitely not worth it.
If you participate in sports or dance groups, make it a point to shower off thoroughly after each workout. If
possible, use a creamy body wash to rinse away dirt, sweat and oils from your face, chest, back and shoulders.
These impurities can accumulate and clog your pores, which then leads to acne and inflammation all over the
body. Avoid using bar soaps, which has a drying effect and can exacerbate the problem by leaving residue on
the surface of your skin.
If you diligently use topical over-the-counter products but are not seeing results, consider making an
appointment with a dermatologist. Your doctor may prescribe powerful gels, creams or solutions alone or in
conjunction with a round of oral antibiotics. Young ladies may also have the option to take oral
contraceptives, many of which have been proven to prevent mild to moderate acne.
If you dread a future spent dealing with acne, take heart. There are dozens of available treatments and
preventive measures available to you regardless of your age, gender or skin condition. While you may not be
able to eliminate all traces of acne, you can certainly take a proactive step by facing the problem head-on.
Remember the advice from this article as you prepare to put your best face forward.
Don't let the stars of your favorite teen sitcom fool you--perfect skin is not the norm for the average
teenager. Many people battle acne from as early as 12 or 13 all the way into middle adulthood. Hormonal
changes are mostly to blame, but there are many things you can do to reduce or eliminate the appearance of
redness, bumps and discoloration caused by acne. This article outlines some of the most effective ways to
manage acne.
When a nasty pimple rears its ugly head, you might be tempted to cover it with concealer or heavy foundation
and leave it at that. While this is an acceptable quick fix, it is not likely to offer a long-term solution.
Before putting on your makeup, apply a small amount of an acne spot treatment. This allows the area to absorb
the medication and forms a barrier that prevents makeup from clogging your pores.
With so many different anti-acne products on the market, it's difficult to single out the most effective one
at a glance. As you read labels and research brands, you should first consider your skin type. Is it
predominantly dry, oily or sensitive? Are your pimples small bumps under the surface of the skin, or do they
manifest as patches of open lesions? Choose a product that is specially formulated to meet your specific skin
care needs.
Most people admit to regularly picking and popping angry zits, but you are better served by avoiding this
guilty pleasure. Every time you touch your face, you are transferring bacteria, dirt and oils from your
fingers to your skin. As a result, your condition may actually worsen. Furthermore, this bad habit can lead to
lifelong scarring and pitting. Control yourself--it's definitely not worth it.
If you participate in sports or dance groups, make it a point to shower off thoroughly after each workout. If
possible, use a creamy body wash to rinse away dirt, sweat and oils from your face, chest, back and shoulders.
These impurities can accumulate and clog your pores, which then leads to acne and inflammation all over the
body. Avoid using bar soaps, which has a drying effect and can exacerbate the problem by leaving residue on
the surface of your skin.
If you diligently use topical over-the-counter products but are not seeing results, consider making an
appointment with a dermatologist. Your doctor may prescribe powerful gels, creams or solutions alone or in
conjunction with a round of oral antibiotics. Young ladies may also have the option to take oral
contraceptives, many of which have been proven to prevent mild to moderate acne.
If you dread a future spent dealing with acne, take heart. There are dozens of available treatments and
preventive measures available to you regardless of your age, gender or skin condition. While you may not be
able to eliminate all traces of acne, you can certainly take a proactive step by facing the problem head-on.
Remember the advice from this article as you prepare to put your best face forward.
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