Acne on the face or other body parts such as the chest or back is common among teenage girls. Acne problems are very common among teenage girls because body changes stimulate the glands to produce more sebum, which can lead to breakouts. Regardless of its severity, acne can cause any teenage girl to feel stressed, especially during menstruation. By cleaning your skin regularly and using the right products, you can get rid of acne effectively.
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Part 1 of 2: Cleanses, Exfoliates and Moisturizes Skin
Step 1. Clean the skin regularly
Cleaning the skin should be done regularly so that dirt and excess oil does not clog the pores. Regular, gentle cleansing can also help get rid of and prevent acne.
- Use a gentle facial cleanser with neutral pH, such as Cetaphil, Aveeno, Eucerin, and Neutrogena.
- Non-irritating skin cleansing products can be purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
- If your skin is very oily, consider using an oil-free cleanser. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, try using a glycerol-based cleanser or a cream.
- Do not use bar soap because the ingredients contained in it can clog pores.
- Use warm water to clean the skin. Water that is too hot can strip the skin of the oils it needs and cause irritation.
Step 2. Do not clean the skin too often
Although it must be cleaned, do not do it too often. Cleaning that is done too often or too hard can irritate the skin, remove oil, and cause breakouts.
To help keep it clean and acne-free, clean the acne-prone area twice a day and after exercising or sweating
Step 3. Apply moisturizer every day
Use a moisturizer that suits your skin type after washing your face. Moisturizer can help remove dead skin so it doesn't clog pores and prevent breakouts. Moisturizers can also reduce redness, dryness, and peeling caused by many acne treatment products.
- Oily skin also needs moisturizer. Choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
- Talk to a dermatologist or someone who works in skin care to determine your skin type. Products that are made specifically for your skin type can be purchased at most pharmacies and many stores or supermarkets.
Step 4. Remove the dead skin layer regularly
Dead skin can clog pores and cause or worsen acne. Exfoliating your skin regularly can help wash away dead skin and bacteria that cause acne.
- Keep in mind that exfoliating products will only lift the surface of the skin and not go deep enough to get rid of the pimple.
- Choose a gentle scrub (either synthetic or natural) whose granules are the same shape. A rough scrub can irritate the skin and trigger acne breakouts. Soft towels can also gently remove dead skin.
Step 5. Use products that are non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
If you use cosmetics or other types of skin care products such as moisturizer or sunscreen, choose products that are non-comedogenic. These products will not clog pores and can help prevent irritation. Also look for cosmetics that are water or mineral based and oil free.
- Products labeled “non-comedogenic” have been tested for acne-prone skin and will not aggravate or cause acne.
- Products labeled “hypoallergenic” have been tested for sensitive skin and will not cause skin irritation.
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products are available in a variety of forms including makeup, sunscreen, moisturizer, and toner. You can buy it at most pharmacies, supermarkets, online shops, and even some stores.
Step 6. Remove makeup before going to bed
Makeup or cosmetic products that are not cleaned before bed can clog pores. Remove all makeup or cosmetics with a gentle facial cleanser or a non-greasy makeup remover before bed.
- You can clean it with a special makeup remover, (especially if you use a waterproof product) or a gentle facial cleanser before bed. Most facial cleansers are effective in removing makeup.
- Every month, you can clean the makeup applicator or cosmetic sponge with soapy water to remove bacteria that can clog pores.
Step 7. Take a shower after exercise or activity
If you do a lot of exercise or activity, take a shower when you're done. Sweat can trigger the emergence of bacteria and oil on the skin that causes acne.
Don't wash your body with harsh bar soaps and use mild soaps
Step 8. Don't touch your face
Do not remove pimples by touching or squeezing them. If the skin is touched and pressed, oil and bacteria can spread and cause or worsen acne.
Touch and pressure on the skin can also cause further irritation. Also be careful when resting your hands on your face so that bacteria don't spread and cause acne
Step 9. Eat a healthy diet
There is some evidence to suggest that a nutritionally balanced diet can help keep skin clean. By not eating unhealthy and fast food, blackheads and other types of acne can also be prevented.
- Foods that are high in fat and sugar can slow down cell turnover and clog pores. Try not to eat too many sweet or fried foods.
- Foods high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, including fruits and vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, can speed up cell turnover for healthier skin.
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. When combined with lots of water, these foods can speed up cell turnover so that the skin becomes healthier and less prone to breakouts.
- Foods high in fatty acids, such as walnuts or olive oil, can help keep skin cells hydrated.
- Unhealthy foods also take the place of foods that provide the vitamins and antioxidants needed for healthy skin.
- A balanced diet requires good hydration. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your body and skin healthy.
Part 2 of 2: Applying Topical Acne Products and Taking Medication
Step 1. Clean hands and face
Before starting to apply any topical product to treat acne, wash your hands and face. This can help minimize the risk of spreading bacteria that can cause acne.
- You can wash your hands with water and soap which are effective in cleaning bacteria.
- Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser specially made for your facial skin. Facial cleansing products specifically for acne-prone skin are also available. This facial cleanser can help stop the spread of bacteria and prevent acne from recurring.
Step 2. Absorb excess oil
Excess sebum or oil can cause acne. If you have oily skin, use a topical product or mask to absorb the excess oil. These products not only help remove oil, but also bacteria and dead skin that causes acne.
- You can use over-the-counter salicylic acid or, in more severe cases, ask your doctor for a prescription.
- Using a clay mask every week can help absorb excess oil and clear up the skin.
- You can use oil absorbent paper to absorb excess oil on your face.
- Be sure to follow the instructions given by your doctor or on the product packaging label so that the product is not overused and causes skin irritation.
- Most oil-absorbing products can be purchased at pharmacies, skin care stores, supermarkets, or online cosmetic stores.
Step 3. Apply benzoyl peroxide on the pimple
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial drug that can kill acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is found in most over-the-counter acne medications. Use benzoyl peroxide to help clear and prevent acne.
- Over-the-counter acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide in concentrations of 2.5%, 5% or 10%. To get rid of acne, use the purest form of benzoyl peroxide. You can buy benzoyl peroxide at most pharmacies and ask the pharmacist for related questions.
- Start taking the medicine slowly. Apply a 2.5% or 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide gel or lotion once a day after washing your face.
- If you are not using other drugs, after one week, increase the frequency of use to twice a day.
- You can use 10% benzoyl peroxide if your acne problem doesn't improve in 4-6 weeks and if 5% benzoyl peroxide doesn't make your skin too dry or irritated.
Step 4. Call the doctor
Over-the-counter topical medications may not help with severe or rare cases of acne. If these medications don't clear up your acne after a few weeks of use, call your doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe a stronger medication to treat your acne.
Doctors can also offer special treatments for acne such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser and light treatments
Step 5. Use prescription medication
To treat severe acne, doctors can prescribe oral medications or topical creams. Creams and pills can help heal and prevent acne.
Step 6. Apply Retin-A on the skin
Retin-A is a topical vitamin A cream that a doctor can prescribe to treat severe acne. Apply the cream on the skin at night to help get rid of and prevent acne.
- Retin-A can be purchased at pharmacies.
- Retin-A will make your skin sensitive to sunlight. So, make sure to apply sunscreen before traveling.
- Retin-A can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. Retin-A can also cause skin peeling, although this is usually temporary and can improve within a few weeks.
- Apply Retin-A only at night.
- The time it takes to get rid of acne with Retin-A is 2-3 months. So, make sure to do the program consistently and follow the doctor's advice.
Step 7. Take antibiotics to eradicate acne-causing bacteria
Take antibacterial pills that can kill bacteria that cause severe acne (including whiteheads). Antibiotics can also help reduce swelling and inflammation in severe cases of acne. Topical prescription creams also usually contain antibiotics, and are even combined with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. This type of antibiotic can be used longer than oral antibiotics.
- Follow your doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics for acne.
- Keep in mind that some antibiotics used to treat acne can make you more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen before going outside.
Step 8. For very severe cases of acne, try Accutane
If other methods don't work, consider taking Accutane. Accutane is a very strong medication and is used only for cases of acne that doesn't go away with other treatments, or severe cysts and scars.
- Accutane can only be purchased with a prescription and some doctors will not prescribe it. This is because Accutane can cause the skin, lips, and eyes to become very dry. Accutane can also increase the risk of depression and intestinal inflammation.
- Doctors require patients to do blood tests before prescribing Accutane because this drug can affect blood cells, cholesterol, and liver.
- Doctors also require female patients to prove that they are not pregnant and are not taking or using two types of contraception because Accutane can cause birth defects in the baby.
Step 9. Ask your doctor for a contraceptive pill prescription
Some studies show that moderate and severe acne reacts to the contraceptive pill. Ask your doctor for a prescription if your acne is not getting better with other treatments and if the contraceptive pill is right for you.
- The hormones present in most birth control pills can help prevent acne breakouts.
- Keep in mind that acne treatment with birth control pills can take several months.
- Birth control pills must be purchased with a prescription, and some doctors or pharmacies will seek parental consent if you are under 18 years of age. Since contraception can increase the risk of blood clots, your doctor will inform you of any risks you may experience. If you are taking contraceptive pills, your doctor will also instruct you not to smoke.
