Acne (or pimples if you prefer) is an extremely common condition during the teenage years. Almost 85% of teenagers develop acne - so remember that you are NOT alone.

Acne is caused by the blockage of pores on the face neck and upper back by natural oil and dead skin cells. During puberty and the teenage years, the higher hormonal levels lead to increased oil production. This results in more clogged pores which turn into comedones (also called pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads). Sometimes the comedones can become infected with bacteria from the skin resulting in inflammatory red pimples or infected nodular acne. These are the "larger" red bumps that teenagers frequently develop.

The treatment of acne consists of trying to keep the pores open. It is important to remember that it can take from 6-8 weeks for a clogged pore to develop into a visible pimple. Thus, any treatment can take 1-2 months before an improvement is seen. Be patient when treating acne!

Prevention:

• Only wash your face with a mild soap one to two times per day (special, more expensive soaps are not necessary).
• When washing your face, do not scrub too hard.
• Use non-comedogenic products (see below) - especially avoid skin or hair products containing oils that may block pores.

You should discuss treatment of acne with your practitioner as they may prescribe:

• Benzoyl peroxide: lowers the number of bacteria on the skin and prevents pores from getting blocked. Prescription forms work better than the over the counter forms such as oxy-10 or Clearasil. If using this medicine, make sure to wear sunscreen outside because benzoyl peroxide will cause your face to sunburn much faster than usual.
• Retin A or Differins: prevent pores from getting blocked. Retin A can be irritating to skin if applied before the skin is completely dried.
• Antibiotics: reduce bacteria on skin. Can be used either topically (applied to skin) or orally in pill form depending on one's severity of acne.
• Referal to a dermatologist to consider Accutane therapy. This medicine is only for very severe cases with scarring and large cysts.

Non-comedogenic Facial Products (won't clog pores):

Suggestions for Facial Soaps, Cleansers, Moisturizers, and Astringents

• Purpose gentle cleansing wash or Purpose gentle cleansing bar
• Purpose dual treatment moisture lotion with SPF 15
• Purpose alpha-hydroxy moisture lotion with SPF 15
• Aveeno cleansing bar for acne treatment
• Neutrogena cleansing bar for acne
• Neutrogena oil free acne wash
• Neutrogena oil free acne wash cream cleanser
• Neutrogena clear pore shine control gel
• Neutrogena clear pore soothing gel astringent

Suggestions for Make-up Foundations and Blushes

• Oil of Olay Complete Radiance liquid or compact foundation
• Cover Girl CG Smoother pressed powder or loose powder
• Cover Girl Ultimate Finish foundation
• Maybelline True Illusions liquid foundation or compact foundation
• Maybelline Smooth Result shine free blemish control or coverstick
• L'oreal Quick Stick Long Wear foundation
• L'oreal Airwear Foundation
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cream powder makeup or liquid makeup
• Neutrogena Soft Color blush
• Corn Silk Zero Shine liquid makeup or powderstick makeup
• Corn Silk Shineless pressed powder
• Revlon New Complexion oil-free makeup
• Revlon New Complexion even out makeup
• Revlon Colorstay liquid or stick makeup
• Revlon New Complexion Blushing
• Revlon Natural Glamorous Blush On
  

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