Causes of teen acne

• Hormones. As girls mature into young women, estrogen levels in their bodies increase, triggering a variety of changes, including acne. Because of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, many girls suffer from acne breakouts “a few days before they get their period,” KidsHealth notes. Boys experience an increase in testosterone, which is also linked to breakouts.
• Oil. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, otherwise known as oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne. During your teen years, these glands work harder and oil production rises, due in part to hormonal changes.
• Dead skin cells. Old skin cells die and are usually replaced by new ones. However, dead skin cells can also build up in pores, resulting in acne.
• Bacteria. It comes from many sources in our environment, but when bacteria touches your face, acne can form. One of the main types of bacteria responsible for acne is Propionibacterium acnes. Acne symptoms like redness and swelling are actually your body’s reactions to the bacterial infection.

  You can combat bacteria by:

  • Wiping off phones after each use with alcohol.
  • Changing pillow cases, bed sheets and towels frequently.
  • Washing hands and face thoroughly after vigorous activities.
  • Keeping hands away from your face. Don’t pick at or squeeze blemishes. You run the risk of scarring your skin.

Multiple choice treatments

Feeling down because of breakouts, pimples and zits? Thankfully, you have many options available to help your skin clear up.

• Cleanser. Daily cleansing is a must for all teens, even before you start seeing breakouts on your skin. Incorporating an acne wash into an everyday routine will combat blemished skin by attacking bacteria, oil and dead skin cells that cause acne. Try benzoyl peroxide cleansers, like Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser, or salicylic acid cleansers, like Murad Clarifying Cleanser.
• Spot treatment. To banish pesky blemishes, keep an acne-fighting spot treatment on hand. For sensitive skin, choose a product with salicylic acid, such as SensiClear Blemish Free Acne Spot Treatment. Got particularly stubborn blemishes? Then try a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide, like B. Kamins Medicated Acne Gel.

  Only use these products on acne-affected areas — they’re typically too harsh for larger areas of the face. When trying a new spot treatment, begin by applying it once a day, (night-time is usually the most convenient), and gradually work up to twice daily if needed.

  Though using spot treatments more often is tempting, it won’t heal your acne faster. In fact, it could “cause excessive dryness, peeling, redness and irritation and can actually increase healing time,” warns Angela Palmer for About. If skin becomes sensitive, always scale back your use.

• Moisturizer. A common misconception is that acne-prone, oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. Formulas that are too thick, creamy or greasy can indeed clog pores and lead to breakouts.

  But you still need moisturizer. Sebum naturally protects skin from the environment. However, skin can become drier from using acne products, which means less protection for your skin.

  To hydrate without causing an oil slick, invest in a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for morning and night. Perricone MD Skin Clear Hydrator and Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer are great choices, because they feel lightweight on skin and provide consistent hydration.

• Clay mask. To reduce the size and duration of acne breakouts, clay masks are beneficial. Clay will help dry up your blemishes. And using a clay mask regularly draws out impurities before they can cause breakouts. Check out Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask or Susan Ciminelli Sea Clay Mask.
• Sunscreen. Many teens mistakenly believe that the sun improves their acne. But it actually damages your skin. Instead, protect your skin every day by choosing a lightweight, oil-free formula. Apply Bliss Oil Free Sunban Lotion for the Face SPF 30 daily whether it’s hot or cold, sunny or cloudy.
• Makeup. Your makeup can also contribute to acne. Make sure all your facial products are labeled “noncomedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” If you have a very oily complexion, pass on heavy, full-coverage makeup in favor of lightweight, oil-free versions or tinted moisturizer. Also, try a weightless, loose mineral formula.

As a teen, attaining clear skin might seem impossible. But by being diligent with your skincare routine, using acne-specific products and not picking at existing blemishes, you can get a healthy-looking, clear complexion.

Learn everything you need to know about acne-fighting skincare in our Complete Acne Handbook.