Q & A about Teenage Acne

Teenage acne is a curse, and the main question most teens have is how to get rid of it. That question doesn’t always have an easy answer, and sometimes teenage acne can be a little more complicated than you might initially think. Here are some common questions and answers regarding teenage acne.

Why Am I Getting Acne?

About 80 percent of teens get at least some acne, so you’re not alone. When you reach puberty, hormones are activated. These hormones create a lot of positive changes in your body, but it can also activate some not so positive ones, like stimulating oil glands in your skin, causing acne.

How Can I Prevent Acne?

Washing your face can help unclog your pores, but too much washing can dry out your skin and make things worse. You should wash after every time you exercise or do anything that causes you to sweat excessively. Beyond that, your dermatologist may be able to recommend certain treatments that can reduce the outbreak of pimples and prevent new ones from forming. There are some very popular and effective treatment on the market, such as the Proactiv line of products, that have shown great success in acne treatment and prevention.

How Long Will My Acne Last?

While there is no way to know how long a specific outbreak of acne will last, many people will probably be dealing with acne until the end of their teenage years, when hormones begin to be more in balance. Other people may deal with acne as adults. In almost all cases, the right treatment can provide some if not complete relief.

Should I Pop My Pimples?

It’s tempting, since it seems to solve the problem in a very satisfying way. The reality is, squeezing a pimple may push the pus and bacteria deeper, agitating the skin further and possibly leading to scabs or scars. You’re much better off putting a topical treatment on the pimple and letting it fade away on its own.

How Can I Get Rid of My Acne?

Again, treatments that contain acne reducing or preventing agents like Proactiv may be a great help in reducing or eliminating your acne. Your dermatologist can suggest other treatments which may be helpful to you, whether your acne is mild or more severe. Remember, acne may seem like the end of the world, but it is a condition that can be dealt with and treated successfully.