Teen acne isnβt just unpleasant β sometimes, it can seem just plain unfair. Itβs caused, in large part, by changes that come with puberty: hormonal surges that cause overactive oil glands, which can lead to blocked pores, which can lead to pimples.
And itβs all happening at a time in your life when camera-on classes, school activities, and (ugh) yearbook photos leave no time for zitty days.
At least you arenβt not alone in your acne struggles β around 85% of teens have acne. Does that help you feel better about heading back to school with a breakout? Probably not, but at least you can know what to expect and what you can do to prevent it, clear it up, and minimize blemishes and scarring.
What causes acne?
Those hormonally driven, overactive oil glands can result in a number of different types of pimples:
β’ Whiteheads. White dots caused by oil and skin cells covered by layers of skin
β’ Blackheads. Black bumps caused by open, impacted pores and follicles
β’ Papules, pustules, and nodules. Red, swollen, often painful bumps caused by inflammation and infection around the clogged pore
β’ Cysts. Pus-filled pimples deep in the skin
Acne can also be caused by things like heavy face creams, makeup, and hair products that can block your pores and follicles. Other possible causes? Sweaty sports gear, genetics (thanks, parents), and stress.
When youβre already stressing over the start of the school year, the last thing you need is an acne flareup on top of everything β but you donβt have to let a pimple pop your plans for the year ahead. You can take your pimples on before they even arise.
What to do
Avoiding zitty days means treating the zits you have and keeping new ones from popping up.
Keep it clean. If you wear makeup, you need to add double cleansing to your skincare routine β remove your makeup first, then go on to wash your face. Wash your face every morning and evening with a gentle, noncomedogenic cleanser to remove any dirt, sweat, and oil. (And, sorry, you should also shower after gym class to avoid bacne and chestne.) Gentle there is key β you might be tempted to attack your zits by drying them out or scrubbing them off, but that can just cause more irritation. PanOxylβs Acne Creamy Wash uses Benzoyl Peroxide to unclog pores and treat and prevent acne pimples, and itβs easy on the skin.
Face down those zits. Every teenβs skin is different, and the best blemish-busting skincare routine is the one that works for your skinβs specific needs. Try PanOxylβs Overnight Spot Patches, which help protect and manage pimples while you sleep.
Moisturize. Dry, flaky skin is a recipe for clogged pores. PanOxylβs Balancing Repair Moisturizer delivers hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and is specially designed for acne-prone skin.
Exfoliate. As with cleansing, gentle is key with exfoliation. Donβt exfoliate more than once or twice a week, and stick to a chemical exfoliant. (A physical exfoliant, like an exfoliating mitt or anything labeled a βscrub,β can cause skin abrasions and even more irritation.) PanOxylβs Clarifying Exfoliant uses Salicylic Acid to gently slough off dead skin cells rather than just scrubbing them off.
If your at-home care isnβt enough to make your acne behave, it might be time to see a dermatologist. They can figure out why your spots are being so stubborn and if a stronger treatment might get the job done.
What not to do
What should you not do if you want to avoid spots and scars?
Sleep in your makeup. Even non-comedogenic makeup can still clog pores if you leave it on overnight. Remember: Makeup remover, then gentle cleanser, then bedtime.
Squeeze or pick at your pimples. That can push the bacteria deeper into your skin or create another opening for bacteria to invade. It can also worsen your inflammation and cause scarring. Itβs hard, but itβs important to resist. A hydrocolloid patch (like the Overnight Spot Patches) can help protect your pimple and remind you not to pick.
Stress. Obviously, thatβs easier said than done β just having acne can cause the kind of stress that makes acne worse. (Again: unfair.) But this is an exciting, important time in your life, and you donβt want to miss out because youβre worried about your skin. Besides, most of your classmates probably wonβt even notice your acne because theyβre too worried about their own.
So take on the new school year with confidence, knowing that no matter what challenges you face, your face isnβt going to be one of them.
