Understanding Teen Acne

Acne is a very common condition among teens. It affects not only their physical appearance, but may also affect their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Many teens are often afraid to go to social events or participate in extra activities because they are afraid of how others may see them.

Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, but hormones are believed to be a leading cause of acne in teens. This can also cross over into adult acne. Hormones cause the body to produce excess oil, which in turn clogs pores and causes pimples. The good news is, acne is very treatable and by figuring out its cause, you can find a treatment.

Having acne has nothing to do with what you eat or how often you wash your face, two common myths often associated with this condition. Washing your face too much, however, can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, and may, therefore, irritate existing acne, but it does not actually cause more acne to form.

One of the best ways to combat acne is to try to prevent it. This involves finding its cause and taking measures to treat it. By doing so, you are treating existing acne, while treating the root of its cause.

Since teens often produce more oil than do adults, it is important to wash twice a day with a mild cleanser that won't irritate or dry the skin. This helps eliminate excess oil, while wiping away any unwanted dirt and bacteria. It is also important to keep the skin properly hydrated and moisturized. Oily doesn't equal moisture. Skin that is oily must be moisturized as well.

All these things can be accomplished by washing the face. The excess oil will be removed, while the face will be hydrated and moisturized. A moisturizing cream may also help to keep moisture in the skin, which will help prevent it from becoming dry and irritated.

While it is good to exfoliate, it is important that you do not use a harsh product to do so. Use a gentle formula containing small grains. These will be less harsh to your skin and will remove dead skin without irritating the healthy skin and aggravating the acne.

Avoid products that contain substantial amounts of alcohol, as this can cause your glands to produce more oil, or dry and irritate your skin. Instead, use a gentle toner that will help even your skin.

Don't squeeze or pick at your pimples. This can only cause them to become more inflamed because the bacteria are pushed deeper into the skin.

Choose makeup products wisely. Don't use products that have cause past breakouts, and use those that are noncometigenic, meaning they won't clog your pores.

No matter the cause, it is important to find a cure. Find a regimen that works for you and stick to it. If your acne persists, consult a physician. There are medications that can help treat many forms of acne. Finding a solution will help you feel better about yourself.


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Understanding The Different Types Of Acne

Though all pimples form the same way, they often take on different shapes and characteristics, and react differently on different people. Acne is formed when a hair follicle becomes clogged and what is called a comedo is formed. As the follicle becomes clogged with more oil, the comedo becomes larger, inflaming the skin around the area and forming what we know of as a pimple. There are several types of acne, each requiring different methods of treatment. This article covers some of those types, explaining each and making treatment suggestions.

Non-inflammatory acne often takes the form of a closed comedo, or whitehead. This occurs when the plugged hair follicle stays beneath the surface of the skin, and appears on the skin as a small whiteish bump.

An open comedo, or blackhead, occurs when the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin. Its dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather to a build up of the dark pigment of the skin called melanin. Blackheads are also a type of inflammatory acne.

The mildest form of inflammatory acne is a papule, a small, firm, pink bump appearing on the surface of the skin. These bumps can be tender to the touch, and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

Pustules are like papules in that they are small, round lesions. Unlike papules, pustules are clearly inflamed and visibly contain pus. They may appear red at the base with a yellowish or whiteish center. Pustules do not generally contain a great deal of bacteria, but are inflamed due to chemical irritation from sebum components.

Nodular or cystic acne is usually very painful. Nodules are inflamed pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. They develop when the contents of a comedo has spilled into the surrounding skin and immune system responds, producing pus. The most severe form of this type of acne may persist for weeks or even months, eventually hardening into a cyst. Both nodules and cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata, a rare form of inflammatory acne, forms primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. It is characterized by pustules and nodules, and severe bacterial infection may ensue.

Acne cosmetica is a relatively mild form of acne caused from topical cosmetic products. It is characterized by small pink bumps, and local inflammation on the cheek, chin, and forehead. It may develop over the course of a few weeks or months, but usually does not cause scarring. Since it can persist indefinitely, it is important to find out which topical products are causing the problem and eliminate their use.

It is important to understand what is causing your acne so a suitable treatment can be found. Before you can solve the problem, you must know its origin.


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Acne Myths And The Perceptions They Cause

Acne is a common problem among teens, and doesn't always clear up by adulthood. There are considerable problems that can occur with both teen and adult acne, and treatments to counteract both.

Recognizing what is causing the acne is an essential part of curing it, but recognizing what doesn't cause acne can be just as important. Through the years, many myths have passed down about what causes acne, and they have caused ill-formed perceptions.

This article covers some of those myths and perceptions, and will dispel the misconceptions associated with those myths.

It is a myth that getting a tan can help clear up acne. Even though a tan may help cover the redness caused by acne, it won't actually heal or prevent it. Add to that the risks associated with tanning beds and the sun, and the skin damage that can occur, and this may hurt more than it will help.

It is also believed that eating greasy, fried foods, or consuming chocolate can cause acne. Numerous scientific studies have concluded there is no connection between acne and one's diet.

It is also a myth that the more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you will experience. While washing your face gets rid of oil and excess dirt, and removes dry skin, washing your face too often can remove some of the essential oils, therefore, causing your face to become especially dry and irritated. While this won't directly cause acne, it will continue to irritate, which will keep it from healing. By not over washing your face, you are allowing the body's natural oils to work, at the same time removing dirt and dead skin which can clog pores and cause acne.

Another common acne myth is that popping pimples will help them clear up more quickly. While this can make the pimple seem less noticeable, it can actually make the healing process a longer one. This is because popping a pimple can push the bacteria from it deeper into the skin, making the surrounding area red and irritated. Devices designed to help pop your pimples, such as blackhead extractors, aren't safe either, as they can cause scars to form.

Another myth is you can't wear makeup or shave if you want to have clear skin. If you have acne, it is okay to use products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means they won't clog pores and cause breakouts. Some concealers now have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them, and, will, therefore, help fight acne.
There are many other myths associated with acne and what causes it. It is important to understand what really is causing your acne before you will be able to treat it. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about possible causes and treatments, or if you feel your acne may require medical attention.

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