Skin Care
Guide to pimple treatment and prevention
Acne during formative years can leave lasting scars, and I’m not strictly referring to physical scars. If you’ve never been called "pizza face" or been told your face "exploded," you may question my philosophy, but for all those teens out there suffering from poor self-image, there is hope.
Although I’m not an advocate of drugs, if you have a severe case of acne, you may want to consult a dermatologist for medical treatment. As tempting as it is to self-diagnose and jump online, I strongly discourage you from doing so. A lot of online drug companies use improper doses and are not regulated by the FDA.
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Some drugs can have severe side effects. One of the most popular anti-acne medications, isotretinoin, can cause severe birth defects, and woman are required to use two forms of birth control while ingesting this medication.
Other treatments, such as oral contraceptives (the pill), have been shown to clear up acne. Injections might also be used, and surgery can treat extreme cases of acne.
If you suffer from occasional flare-ups, there is help for you, too. By establishing a daily skin care regimen, you can usually prevent pimples before they form. Choose a mild cleanser. Growing up, I chose gritty cleansers because I was convinced that the harder I scrubbed, the more grit I would remove. My plan backfired. Scrubbing leads to skin agitation, which means more breakouts.
Once you find an effective cleanser, choose a toner. Toner sops up excess oil, which is prevalent in teenagers, and also rids your skin of excess cleanser that you may not have washed off. Top your skin off with a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. If your moisturizer does not contain SPF, make sure to apply sunscreen religiously. Contrary to popular belief, although the sun may temporarily dry up pimples, the dryness and damage excess exposure creates leads to more skin problems in the long run.
For spot treatment, I use Origins Spot Remover. Most skin care lines have a similar product that you dab directly on the imperfection. Within days, your pimple should clear up. In the meantime, dab a small amount of concealer over your pimple if you are sensitive.
Getting rid of pimples forever is unrealistic, but there are some tips for reducing your breakouts:
- Change your pillowcases frequently so dirt and oils aren’t rubbed into your skin throughout the night.
- Refrain from touching your face.
- Wipe your phone down with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to rid it of excess oil, which can be transferred as it lies on your face.
- Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your body.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and vitamins. Antibodies aid your body in getting rid of toxins.
Although acne can be a sensitive subject, it usually clears up throughout your teenage years. With careful monitoring and proper treatment, you can lessen the often-painful side effects of severe acne.
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different things work for different people but there are the basics for controlling breakouts and they are listed above. Drinking water is very important, atleast a gallon a day. Faithfulness to acne medication as well, try to follow directions and times the best u can. I use tinted acne medication so my acne doesn't look that bad even when it is. It helps me fell better while the medication is doing it's job.
Posted on 11/5/2009 6:13:00 AM by Anonymous
I have acne spots/scars all over my face and it's fustrating. What should I use?
Posted on 10/30/2009 2:41:00 PM by Anonymous
hello;i am 27years old.iam married and i have two sons. first one is 7year old and second is 6years.my problum is big. i have always very painfull acne on my whole face.i used many products and i have done acne treatment in parlours but no any result please help meeeeeeeeeee;for godsay.
Posted on 10/2/2009 3:03:00 AM by Anonymous
Hey, im an 18yr old mother of a 1yr old lil girl, and still livin with my mom, i think most of my scne comes from the major stress i have on me. Ive tried alot of things, proactive, clear skin, acne free, natures cure, and many other things and nothing seems to work. I now even have my bf tryin to take care of my skin cuz i gave up on it, after it started getting worse on my chest face and back. If you have any ideas that could help me out with better ways to make the acne clear up fast and easy, please contact me. i_luv_blh@yahoo.com
Posted on 8/27/2009 3:43:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi I'm nineteen. I have never had a real problem with acne before except for a few blackheads on my nose and chine but I could keep those under control. Well, lately I have been getting these really bad nodules. This is my fifth one in 2 months. It starts out as a little bump then it just gets bigger and redder and I don't know how to get rid of them. In the past if I got one in just went away in a few days, but lately it takes over a week and it leaves a scar. This one doesn't seem to be getting any better. Any suggestions???
Posted on 8/6/2009 6:19:00 PM by Anonymous
my name is caroline and i have a ton of blackheads all over my nose they are sooo gross i want to know if there is a fast wat to get rid of them.
Posted on 7/27/2009 9:52:00 PM by Anonymous
I took isotretinoin, a pill that's probably the most effective acne treatment method their is - you can ask your dermatologist about it - but you basically have to try every other doctor proscribed acne treatment first - especially if your a girl (which I am not) because there is complications about pregnancy and stuff of that sort -but i didn't have to worry about that. you have to take monthly blood tests though- However in the end its definatley worth it-- you should look it up or ask- if its that bad
Posted on 7/16/2009 5:15:00 PM by Anonymous
if you have acne try cetaphil.its a daily facial cleanser.
Posted on 7/14/2009 2:47:00 AM by Anonymous
Nature's Cure works really good for acne. The problem with my face is i use a product it works really good then my face gets ammune to using this product and it starts to not work. So try Nature's Cure it honestly works very well!
Posted on 7/2/2009 10:55:00 AM by Anonymous
my forehead right now is full acne scars and some acne left, but it has been almost two years and it just seems like it can only get worse. proActiv doesn't work for me. and anything else has not helped one bit..it's making my life miserable. i want to hide all the time under my hair...
Posted on 6/30/2009 7:20:00 PM by Anonymous
i finally went to the dermatologist they gave me differin and omg it works soooooo good this is my first day using it and its already better
Posted on 6/20/2009 10:24:00 PM by Anonymous
Does skinID work? I am so desparate
Posted on 6/14/2009 3:28:00 PM by Anonymous
thankx thow are good tips
Posted on 6/4/2009 10:37:00 PM
by teengirl1
thank you. i never thought about the pillow case.
Posted on 6/1/2009 11:49:00 AM by Anonymous
I have very oily skin so I use the Mary Kay oil control formula. So far it has been working very well. If you have oily skin, I would recommend something with salicilic acid to prevent the excess oil. Mary Kay has three steps in their formula. 1) cleanser 2)blemish control 3) oil control lotion - all mary kay products are for sensitive skin. if this formula is too harsh, just try formulas 1 or 2 for dry to normal skin.
Posted on 5/28/2009 3:13:00 AM by Anonymous
my lil girl is only 10 years old and we have been working on her ance but it just dont want to go away .we tried everything dat we could it look like it just dont help anything at all.the docter said that it will clear up wen she gets older now she is older and its not gone..........
Posted on 5/14/2009 9:58:00 PM by Anonymous
Purpose. You can get it at target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens. It will make your skin healthy and beautiful again! At only 5 dollars your skin will start clearing up. I suffered from horrible black heads on my nose and now they are pretty much gone! My skin is beautiful again! Clean and Clear sensitive skin works well too. They both come in clear bottles, with a clear substance. Hope everything works out!
Posted on 5/10/2009 11:18:00 PM by Anonymous
help my acne is out of control please help
contact me at princessedena@verizon.net
Posted on 5/9/2009 7:20:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi i am 26 years old i have body acne on my back an chest n legs i break out when i sweet the most what should i do nothing is clearing up
Posted on 5/9/2009 6:52:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi I am 29 years old i had a very terrible acne when i was teenager.I got a deep scars on my face and what i ganna do i am looking someone who really could help me i had a dermatologist before and she gave me a lot of medicine and i had a facial before but i stop because i don't get any improvement of my skin problem please help please send me a suggestion to my email address powerpuffgirl008@yahoo.com.
Posted on 5/4/2009 9:33:00 PM by Anonymous
hi i m 15 year old girl i have acne a problem. it is not that terrible but i want to remove them. sometimes my face gets so clear but after some time pimple appears so please HELP !!!!
Posted on 4/18/2009 11:46:00 AM by Anonymous
your great, really, thanks, this might seem like acne to some people, but to me, its life changing..
Posted on 4/11/2009 3:35:00 PM by Anonymous
ALSO GIRLS! if you use hairspray or other things on your hair, make sure that when you are applying it that your back is covered up by something. hair products are stcky and not good for ance at all. also, try wearing your hair up at night time.
Posted on 3/31/2009 10:22:00 PM by Anonymous
PS: do not put the vinegar on your face, BACK ONLY! your face is too sensitive where as you back has much tougher skin
Posted on 3/31/2009 10:16:00 PM by Anonymous
Girls and Boys
BACK ACNE:
get an empty perfume bottle, or spray bottle, wash it out very good, and pour white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in it.
every night before bed spray it on your back and shower in the morning.
your back is one of the dirtiest places on your body because it is so hard to wash. i suggest you get a stick sponge to wash your back with in the shower.
Also, if you have a pimple you want to get rid of right away anywhere, simply apply a dab of toothpaste on it, and that will dry it right up!
G.L, and try the vinegar, it works wonders!
Posted on 3/31/2009 10:14:00 PM by Anonymous
hi i have ordered the deluxe kit and i still havent recieved it can anyone help me in finding how to track the package
Posted on 3/24/2009 2:35:00 PM by Anonymous
i have really bad acne on my forehead and all over my face and i can't get rid of it. nothing works and i need to get rid of it fast. what should i try? i feel that is what everyone looks at when they look at me. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on 2/24/2009 6:08:00 PM by Anonymous
Ok so I am a 14 year old girl and I am taking Clean and Clear Advantage (from Arbonne) and it works good on my face... but i have acne on my chest and back, and since its winter i can't go outside and tan and tanning beds dont work for me... i need help and FAST!
Posted on 2/24/2009 4:48:00 PM by Anonymous
i'm a 12 year old girl and my acne won't go away, i've tried everything, i wash my face every night and i put on expensive acne treatments. BUT NOTHING WORKS! the acne treatments just dry out my skin and make the acne i have look worse. i can't remember the last time i didn't try to hide my face. HELP ME PLEASE!!!!
Posted on 2/21/2009 10:30:00 PM by Anonymous
im a modle from barbazon im 11 and already have pimples how can i clear it in two days cause i have a runway to do.
Posted on 2/17/2009 5:34:00 PM by Anonymous
I need cure for oily but real dry skin
Posted on 1/25/2009 8:14:00 AM by Anonymous
what is going on i need to eat healthy and drink water and be clean...too much work
Posted on 1/8/2009 6:41:00 PM by Anonymous
pimples can be sexy!
Posted on 12/30/2008 2:18:00 AM by Anonymous
What are some good home remodies for clearing up acne within two days?
Posted on 12/3/2008 10:13:00 AM by Anonymous
my face is dry when i apply makeup or just wash my face. when i pout on non oily cremes to make it better my face gets extreamly oily . what should i do ?
Posted on 12/1/2008 8:45:00 AM by Anonymous
My skin is dry and has a rash over 90% of my body. My face is red and seems very dry. I have picked at some of the fine bumps and they turn into small sores. I really would like to find someone who has an answer as to what this might be. I have had it for years.
Posted on 11/30/2008 1:07:00 AM by Anonymous
If you live in southern Ontario the esthetician is in London, at Body Benefits. Ask for the owner. I wish I could help you in person. But find an esthetician in the phone book , one that sells YonKa etc listed below. Or one that someone recommends, but she must be able to work on acne skin. Sorry I had not visited this site for a while. Take care. : )
Posted on 11/25/2008 4:05:00 PM by Anonymous
Hi again.... I wrote the comment below about my 16 yr old son. It was the esthetician (one who is expert with acne) who cleared up his very acne-prone skin. He went every 3 weeks for about 2-3 months, then about every 6 weeks. Now 9 months later he just goes every 3-4 months apart. ALso he takes Minocin and Vit A acid GEL 0.05% at night. Use the face products morning and night (listed below are ones our esthetician recommended and they also were essential to the amazing results). It may be costlly to do all this but I feel it is very worth it. It will make you a lot happier to clear up your skin, so even if you have to pay for these treatments from your earnings you will be glad you did. Good luck & best wishes. I hope things get better for you soon.
Posted on 11/25/2008 3:55:00 PM by Anonymous
im 16 yrs old and i have terrible acne. which ones best to treat acne: shoudl i go to a dermatologist??; should i just leave it like that and just drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods; or should i go find some acne treatment in the store??? cos ive tried almost everything, i tried proactiv, vichy etc. and ever since ireally drink plenty of water, i eat apple everyday. and yet nothing seems to happen!!!! im so desperate on how to treat my face. so can you guys help meeeeeeee
Posted on 10/31/2008 12:32:00 AM by Anonymous
My 16 yr old son had terrible acne, blackheads even on cheeks. It may have been caused by wearing sunscreen that blocked the pores, plus just teenage hormones and active skin glands. The best thing we did was go to a very experienced esthetician. We got her name from the skin doctor my daughter had seen. None of the healing would have taken place without seeing the esthetician because she cleaned up his face by expert pore extraction, did steam & oxygen treatments etc about every 3 -4 weeks for the first four months. Sure it cost $75 per visit but it is well worth it. In addition she told him to stop using the store brand cleansers & toners and she sold us ones that finally worked. The cleanser is "Australian Bodycare brand skin wash" , toner is YonKa Lotion for normal to oily skin, day cream is "Guinot pure balance cream seboregulator". Twice a week mask is "Guinot absorbing exfoliating mask for oily skin Sebocidine". He is also on a low dose Minocycline from family dr, and vit A gel prescription put on at night. Again I emphasize you need to see an esthetician, a good one who can help with acne. We are so happy we did, and I couldn't beleive the improvement after only the first treatment and using new products for a week. Our family doctor's advice alone was not helping (Minocycline and vit a). In the end it is the esthetician who brought about the change. It was amazing for us to see the improvement. I'm glad I took the time to find the esthetician, and take my son there even though it is a long drive to another city to see her. We go on Friday afternoon, so that by Monday the redness from treatment has disappeared - a good idea to book a Friday appointment. I hope you will find someone to help you too. I know you can get looking better quite quickly by taking these steps. Good luck.
Posted on 10/30/2008 11:53:00 AM by Anonymous
ok. i ahve tried pretty much everything. can you give me so name brands ?
Posted on 10/29/2008 6:17:00 PM by Anonymous
Thanks for the warning about Minocycline. What is Z-pack and what is it used for?
Posted on 10/27/2008 9:39:00 PM by Anonymous
CAUTION: Minocycline has caused severe adverse reaction when combined with Z-pack including death
Posted on 10/24/2008 9:52:00 AM by Anonymous
Thanks! This was so helpful!
Posted on 10/4/2008 8:31:00 PM by Anonymous
I am a 32 year old woman, and still have acne. I am seeing a 3rd dermatologist now. I think that being a pimplehead is one thing that turns employers off. I can't get a job, due to other reasons. Having acne doesn't help. I have tried dermatological topicals. They don't help. Someone told me to try Murad. You apparently have to get online. It's expensive, but you have nothing to lose. I don't have the money to buy it. My seizure meds cause acne. I have to continue taking them.
Posted on 9/9/2008 8:02:00 PM by Anonymous
i am too ashamed to have acne , even my boy friend become very upset everytime we make love together. I tried almost all external medications but none of them worked. i don't want to take antibiotics cause i wanna get pregnant. I just got married, can any help me to clear up my acne? Jessica
Posted on 9/7/2008 5:44:00 PM by Anonymous
Thanks for the information!!!!!!
Posted on 9/3/2008 11:45:00 PM by Anonymous
thanks! i enjoyed the info.
Posted on 8/26/2008 9:29:00 PM by Anonymous
i have tried just about everything. if something works one way it doesn't the other. for example it either makes my face oily or to dry. i hope that the pillow case thing helps. i hade just started something new called Natures Cure (walmart) and it is looking helpful i have used it for only a while and i can see a difference.
Posted on 7/22/2008 4:36:00 PM by Anonymous
oh my god, i have tried EVERYTHING.
even proactiv and jaklgjfdal;k NOTHING works!
ive had stupid bacne and acne on my chest and shoulders for like a year now, i dont even remember when i last could wear a tank top =(
help?
Posted on 7/8/2008 3:31:00 AM by Anonymous
k. i hope that changing my pillow case works. and by the way how often should i change my pillow case?
Posted on 6/12/2008 1:04:00 AM by Anonymous
I can't ever find a brand of face cleanser that works
Posted on 4/21/2008 11:23:00 PM by Anonymous
great thank u 4 the suggestions
Posted on 2/22/2008 12:46:00 PM by Anonymous