Everything You Need to Know About Teenage Acne And Treating It

Teenager acne can be very difficult to deal with from day to day. However, there are several different ways to deal with the symptoms. Acne shows up in several different ways, in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or as inflamed areas on your face or body. There are many dermatologists in New Jersey who specialize in teen acne treatment.

What is acne?

Acne is essentially a clogged pore that has become inflamed and irritated. Acne is usually by an overproduction of sebum, which is a waxy/oily substance. When sebum combines with oxygen in the open pore, it creates a blackhead. A whitehead occurs when skin covers the buildup of sebum and traps bacteria.

Does poor hygiene cause acne?

No, acne is usually the result of an increase in hormone levels which in-turn increases the production of sebum. By washing your face at least twice a day, you can reduce the amount of sebum on your skin.

Is it ok to “pop” or squeeze pimples?

You shouldn’t squeeze pimples as the excrement can leak onto your skin and fingers, causing infection, further irritation and more clogged pores. In addition, squeezing and popping pimples can cause scarring.

Will washing my face help clear it up?

While washing your face alone most likely will not clear up all of your acne symptoms, it can help. Washing your face twice a day can clear away any debris or dirt that is clogging your pores.

Does wearing make-up affect break-outs?

Wearing certain types of make-up can cause breakouts, for this reason it is important to choose makeup that is non-comedogenic. This type of makeup is created in such a way that won’t clog your pores. It is important to wash your face at night to remove your make-up.

Do over the counter medications work?

In some cases over the counter medications will help in subduing the symptoms of acne. However, seeing a dermatologist is the best way to make sure your teenage acne is properly treated and to prevent future break-outs and scarring. They can diagnose your skin condition and come up with a targeted plan specially designed for you.

Will drinking water clear up my acne?

No. While it isn’t a cure-all for your acne, drinking water does benefit you in many ways. Water can help flush out toxins and bring nutrients to your skin, as well as keep it hydrated. Other alternatives such as carbonated drinks and milk can make your acne worse. Carbonated drinks don’t hydrate you; they dehydrate and require even more water to hydrate.

Do certain foods make acne worse (or better)?

At this point, there is no scientific proof to back up whether or not certain foods can make your acne worse or clear it up. The best thing to do is maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid “junk” and overly processed food. Doing so is good for your overall health, and your skin is often a reflection of that.

Will exercise help clear up acne?

In some cases, exercise will help clear up acne because it helps your body rid itself of toxins and in some cases restore the hormonal balance. It is important to shower after exercising, and NEVER work-out while wearing make-up. When make-up, sweat, and oil combine, they can clog your pores and make acne worse.