Being a teenager is hard, but throw in hormonal acne and that’s enough to make a person at any age fraught with frustration. While prescription medications are the sole solution for some teens with acne, there are other remedies for treating less severe but equally annoying breakouts. Here are a few everyday solutions for treating breakouts that require little more than a small dose of self-discipline.
Try This: Simple Skin care Routine
Not This: Plethora of Product
It’s easy to get carried away with the amount of skin care products that promise brighter, clearer skin. Remember, acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, which means the more you wash your face, the more your body tries to replace the oil. Create a balance by sticking with a small amount of products that keep your skin clean and prevent future breakouts without overstimulating oil production.
Try This: Slow Down on Sugar
Not This: Fad Diets
As a teenager dealing with hormonal acne, I was desperate to try anything that would give my blemished skin a release. Well—anything except giving up my love of sugar. High levels of sugar spike insulin, which is believed to increase sebum production. With more sebum production comes the risk of a breakout. While this is not true of everyone, studies are suggesting sugar intake does play a real role in acne. As for me, I finally learned my lesson. Whenever I go light on the cakes and cookies, I find my complexion is suspiciously clear.
Try This: Acne Facial
Not This: Pimple Popping
With YouTube channels and shows like Dr. Pimple Popper drawing in hundreds of thousands of viewers, it’s no secret we love to pop (or watch someone pop) a good pimple. While it feels satisfying in the moment, popping pimples and blackheads at home is not recommended by skin care experts. If you have pimples worth popping, see a facialist who specializes in acneic skin. They are trained in the art of opening pores, getting dirt out and closing pores with as little aggravation to the dermis as possible. If facials aren’t an option, make an appointment with your dermatologist to explore other solutions.
Try This: Green Tea
Not This: OTC
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. There are plenty of acne-fighting products that include it as an ingredient, but you can just as easily get the full benefits by steeping green tea in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it cool and then using a cotton ball to apply it to skin in a patting motion. Studies have shown this remedy works and is much more cost-effective than most OTC medications.
Try This: Self Care
Not This: Stressing Out
OK, I get it. Teenage life is full of frustrations, angst and stress—especially in this day and age. Studies have shown CRH, a known stress-related hormone, contributes to breakouts. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate stress from life, it is important to be mindful of stress triggers that impact your mental and physical health. Self-care isn’t selfish. Knowing when to take time for yourself, reach out to loved ones or simply take a breath will do wonders for your overall well-being. Like everything in life, acne isn’t forever.