“Mom, I can’t go! Look at this zit – it’s HUGE!”
Augh, the trauma of teen acne. For most girls, acne really is a painful blow to their self image. And who can blame them? The images they see on TV suggest that their skin should look glowing and perfect. But the reality is quite different. With the onset of puberty, your daughter’s once smooth, clear skin, may turn blotchy, itchy, and oily. Leaving her upset and surly – and you, desperate to find a cure.
ParentingPink Tip:
5 Things that Make Acne Worse
- Stress
- Hormones – especially during her period (menstruation)
- Anything oil-based like make-up, suntan lotion/oil, and hair products
- Constant, hard scrubbing of skin
- Irritating blemishes (picking at them)
Teen acne can be caused by many different factors. Its origins can be genetic (if someone in your family had difficulty with acne, then your child may too) or linked with a weakened immune system (bacteria that cause acne can more easily seep into the hair follicles). Regardless of the cause, try these tips to clear up those blemishes!
Give Acne the Disappearing Act:
- Wash & Cleanse. Your daughter should wash her face 2x a day with mild soap and warm water. She should NOT scrub her face with a sponge or washcloth. Scrubbing can actually irritate the skin’s pores and making acne worse.
- Go Oil-Free. Wear oil-free so that it will not clog her pores. It’s also important to remove all make up from her face before washing it.
- Watch out for hazardous hair products & greasy jobs. If she uses hair spray, it should be sprayed away from her face so that it will not block pores. If she has a job at a fast food place or a place where grease and oil is prevelant, she should wash her face when she gets home.
- Drink LOTS of water. Not only is water wonderful for your body, it’s also great for the skin. Drinking 8-10 glasses a day will help flush the toxins that cause acne.
- Try an over-the-counter lotion. There are many acne medications that contain salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide to help clear up acne. Be sure to follow the directions exactly as directed.
- No picking! It’s tempting to pick pimples, but don’t do it! This typically just makes everything worse by introducing bacteria and oil to the pimple. It may also cause scarring.
- See a doctor if acne persists or worsens. If nothing seems to help clear up your daughter’s skin, see a doctor or dermatologist. She may require a prescription and it’s important to make sure you get medical help so that there is no scarring.