Acne is a common problem faced by teenagers, about 85 percent of women and 90 percent of men experience acne problems at some point between the ages of 12-18 years. During puberty, the level of testosterone in the blood increases, prompting the oil glands to produce large amounts of oil. These oil glands can be blocked by dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria (especially on the face, neck, chest, and back) resulting in acne, blackheads (blackheads that open and appear on the surface of the facial skin), whiteheads (blackheads that are closed and do not appear). to the surface of the facial skin), and nodules appear. Remember that acne is not caused by the food you eat or dust. If you are a teenage boy who has acne problems, you can treat them effectively using commercial skin care products and skin care products to heal and treat acne.
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Part 1 of 2: Using Commercial Skin Care Products
Step 1. Use over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid
These ingredients are dermatologist-approved to effectively treat moderate-severe acne. The best commercial products for treating acne usually contain one or a combination of these three ingredients. However, some people can be allergic to these ingredients or their skin becomes dry or irritated by it. Try to consult a dermatologist if you are worried that these ingredients can make you allergic.
- If your skin is normal or oily and not very sensitive, you can use products with high concentrations of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid. The use of products containing these three ingredients often clears less severe acne within two to three months. You can use a facial cleanser that contains one or two of these ingredients, and a face cream with other ingredients, for example.
- If your skin is sensitive and may be allergic to salicylic acid, causing it to become chapped and dry, you can still use products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or a combination of both.
- Some people can be allergic or sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. Also, if your skin becomes very dry after using this product, look for a product with a lower concentration, such as a product with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide instead of 10%.
- Examples of brands that can be purchased freely are Clean & Clear, Cetaphil, Acnes, and so on. This brand offers a variety of products such as creams, cleansers, gels, or lotions. When the skin is still getting used to this product, it could be that your skin becomes red or dry. Apply an oil-free facial moisturizer to treat dry skin problems.
Step 2. Ask your dermatologist if he or she can prescribe benzoyl peroxide
If your acne is severe or doesn't go away after two to three months of using over-the-counter products, you can consult a dermatologist for a prescription for benzoyl peroxide. This treatment can be in the form of solutions, wipes, masks, and lotions and gels that don't need to be rinsed off. In this treatment, the doctor will start slowly and advise you to use it two to three times a week until you use it every night.
- Wash and dry your face well before applying benzoyl peroxide to your face and make sure your skin is clean and dry before using benzoyl peroxide wipes on areas that are prone to breakouts, such as your back or chest. Use very small amounts of the product, about the size of a pea, and don't be surprised if your skin turns red or looks dry as your skin is getting used to the product.
- If your skin becomes very dry and starts to peel, it's best to reduce the number of days you use this product and wear an oil-free moisturizer. In addition, you should buy pillowcases and white towels because benzoyl peroxide has a "bleaching" characteristic that can leave white stains on fabrics. Wash your face and body well after using benzoyl peroxide products so that your clothes don't turn white.
Step 3. Ask your dermatologist about taking a topical retonide
Another option for severe cases of acne or acne that doesn't improve after using an over-the-counter product for two to three months is to use a product with a stronger formula for acne, such as a topical retinoid. Your dermatologist can prescribe retinoids in pill or cream form and provide information on how often you should take or use retinoids.
- Topical retinoids work by helping to even out the skin's outermost surface (epidermis) and encouraging the skin to shed dead skin cells. Maybe your dermatologist has prescribed a topical retinoid with a benzoyl peroxide product to treat your acne problem.
- Start by using a retinoid twice a day or twice a week so your body can get used to this product first. It may be that the surface of your skin peels the first time you use a retinoid, but after using it regularly three to seven times a week for four to six weeks, your skin should become clearer and clearer. To treat dry skin problems, apply moisturizer after using retinoids.
Step 4. Try to use antibiotics
Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to help with acne problems. Antibiotics will kill excess bacteria and reduce redness and may be prescribed along with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. Topical antibiotics are safe for long-term use while oral antibiotics should be used short-term, possibly within the first few months only.
Step 5. Talk to your doctor about taking oral medications to treat acne
If your acne problem hasn't gotten better after you've been prescribed a topical acne medication, your doctor or dermatologist can suggest taking an oral medication for severe acne, such as Accutane or Isotretinoin. This product is formulated to prevent clogged pores and stop the production of oil in the skin so that the bacteria that causes acne cannot survive. However, there are some side effects of this drug and you should be under the supervision of a dermatologist while taking this drug.
- The dose of oral medication for severe cases of acne depends on your weight. You should try your best to avoid the sun while taking Isotretinoin or Accutane and always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going out.
- You should schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure the medication is working properly and does not cause side effects. Your doctor should monitor your blood test results regularly while you are taking this medicine.
Step 6. Ask your dermatologist for other options
If this method does not help your acne problem, there are other treatments such as laser, light treatment, microdebrasion, or chemical peel to help clean your skin. These methods can be very effective in dealing with acne problems. Try asking your doctor about these options and whether or not any treatment options are right for you.
Part 2 of 2: Have Good Skin Care Habits
Step 1. Do not squeeze, rub, or pick the pimple
It's natural to feel tempted to squeeze or pick a pimple, but if you do, your skin can become more inflamed and your pimple will get worse and leave acne scars. Instead, try to wash the affected area well and use skin care products that can treat and heal your acne.
Never use sharp objects on the skin, even if they are advertised as a pimple remover. This can cause permanent damage to the skin which can be difficult to treat or require more intense skin care to heal
Step 2. Don't touch your face with your hands
If you're used to propping your chin, cheek, or forehead in your hand, try to stop it. If possible, try not to touch your face at all throughout the day. Your hands carry bacteria and germs that can make acne worse if they stick to your face.
- Also, if your hair tends to be oily or your hair is long, keep it clean and away from your face. The oil from the hair can make the face and neck very oily and make the affected areas of the hair more prone to breakouts.
- Don't wear a hat, as this can cause pimples to appear on your hairline or forehead. Wash the hat regularly if you wear it every day so as not to carry bacteria that can stick to your facial skin.
- Make sure your cell phone is clean, because the face can get pimples in the area where the cellphone is attached.
Step 3. Wash your face at least twice a day
To make sure you get rid of the dead skin cells that can cause acne, it's a good idea to wash your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Use cleansing products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid to treat acne effectively. Do not rub your face with a small towel vigorously when cleaning your face. Instead, use your fingers to gently massage the cleansing product into your face.
You should always wash your face after exercising because sweat can make sweat build up, making acne worse
Step 4. Shave only when necessary
If the hair on your face is starting to grow, you may be tempted to start shaving. However, shaving can irritate acne-prone skin and make more pimples appear. In addition, when shaving you can make skin wounds that can cause inflammation. If you really have to shave, try to do it as gently as possible so you don't irritate the pimple.
If you use a safety razor when shaving, smooth the hair on your face with warm water and soap before shaving so you don't press the razor too hard against your skin
Step 5. Use an oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer
While your skin may look better after a long day in the sun, in the long run the sun can make acne worse and cause skin damage on your face. In addition, many acne-prone skin care products can make the skin more prone to sunburn. Protect your skin by applying an oil-free sunscreen before you head out, even if it's not hot outside.
- Many commercial acne skin products can dry out your skin, especially if your skin is still getting used to the ingredients they contain. To prevent dry or chapped skin, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. This ensures that the moisturizer doesn't clog pores or irritate the skin.
- Don't use very oily moisturizers, such as Vaseline and mineral oil. This kind of product will only increase the amount of oil and dirt that accumulates on the skin and make acne worse. Ask your dermatologist for a recommendation for a good oil-free moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and the severity of your acne.
