How to Treat Teenage Acne

Acne is an unfortunate part of adolescence. Mild cases can be simply annoying, but serious cases of acne may require doctor visits and prescription medication. Proper skincare is essential to treat teenage acne. The following steps will help to minimize those unwanted blemishes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Facial cleanser
• Facial moisturizer
• Acne medication

1. Use preventive steps to stop breakouts before they happen. Preventive steps include daily face washing with a mild cleanser suitable for your skin type.

2. Wash your face twice a day with clean hands--once in the morning and once before bed. You can use a cleanser specially formulated to fight breakouts.

3. Use gentle, circular motions when applying cleanser.

4. Rinse your face completely with warm or tepid water. Dry with a clean face towel. Your face towel shouldn't be the same as your body towel used after showering.

5. Apply acne medication that contains proven pimple fighters like benzoyl peroxide and salicytic acid after cleansing. It's best to apply medication directly onto blemishes. Applying benzoyl peroxide all over your face can be very drying to your skin.

6. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer after cleansing if your face feels tight.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no "cure" for acne. You can only try to prevent and treat outbreaks as they happen. Preventive steps help to minimize the breakouts you get.
• Drink lots of water and eat healthy foods including a wide range of fruits and vegetables. The healthier you are on the inside, the better it shows on the outside.
• Don't use harsh cleansers or scrubbers on acne. This will only make the problem worse.
• Don't wash your face more than three times per day. Too much washing causes your skin to produce more oil, which isn't what you want.
• Don't pick at pimples. This leads to scarring.