How to Prevent Teenage Acne

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By Arathi
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Acne is a common problem during teenage years. Even though it is common , teenagers rate acne as a stressful and embarrassing problem. The onset of puberty triggers hormonal changes in teenagers that increase oil production in skin. When the rate of skin turnover does not keep up with the surge in oil production, pores get clogged with oil resulting in blackheads and acne. Taking a proactive approach by establishing a good skin care routine in preteen years, when blackheads have just started to make an appearance, can go a long way in preventing teenage acne and the heartache associated with it. Here is how.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A gentle face wash
A non-comedogenic moisturizer
A mild salicylic acid mask
Healthy diet

Step 1

Washing the face twice a day with a gentle ph balanced cleanser is the first line of action in preventing teenage acne. Look in the resource section for a link to learn more about choosing the right facial cleanser.
Step 2

Using harsh scrubs that irritate and dry out the skin do more harm than good for teenage acne. While it may be tempting to treat the affected area with tingly alcohol laced scrubs, it is advised by dermatologists to avoid them for their tendency to excessively dry skin, and further trigger oil production.
Step 3

Using facial moisturizers labeled as non-comedogenic is considered an essential step in preventing acne, especially when a person is prone to acne. Non-comedogenic moisturizers use ingredients that don't block the pores, and don't cause comedones such as blackheads or whiteheads.
Step 4

Using a mild salicylic or glycolic acid mask weekly helps prevent teenage acne by reducing the incidence of blocked pores, and increasing the rate of cell turnover. Regular use of masks containing oil reducing and acne clearing ingredients such as clay, sulfur, and tea tree oil are also known to help in preventing acne.
Step 5

Eating a nutritionally sound diet focused on blood sugar control is reported to help with acne prevention. Recent research suggests that a diet with a high glycemic load, consisting primarily of simple processed carbohydrates triggers insulin production that drives skin into acne mode. See the resource section for a link to the study, and for a link on maintaining blood sugar balance.
Step 6

Including regular stress reduction activities that a teenager enjoys such a favorite sport or hobby is suggested as a course of action to prevent acne. Research confirms that high stress levels increase sebum production and trigger severe acne outbreaks in teenagers. Look in the resource section for a link to the study.