Acne, a common skin condition, can significantly impact self-esteem, particularly during adolescence. While it can occur at any age, it’s often most prevalent and frustrating during the teenage years.
During my own teenage years, I struggled with acne. Misinformation was rampant, with myths blaming candy, stress, and even exercise. Many home remedies proved ineffective.
Acne arises from clogged pores due to excessive skin oils, leading to infection and the formation of pimples, characterized by redness and swelling. Blackheads, on the other hand, are pores partially blocked by oil or dead skin that remain open without infection.
The key to managing acne lies in controlling oil production on the face, neck, and shoulders. Hormonal changes during adolescence often contribute to increased oil production. Therefore, maintaining clean hair is essential to minimize oil around the face and shoulders.
As a teen with oily hair and shoulder acne, I sought medical advice and tried various solutions. Ultimately, a shorter haircut and daily hair washing, alongside gentle face washing, proved effective.
Avoid picking or popping pimples, as this spreads infection to other pores. The pus-like substance within a pimple contains infectious material that can further clog partially blocked pores, leading to new breakouts.
Certain medications can also trigger acne. If you’re diligently managing oil production without success, consult your doctor to review potential medication side effects and explore alternative options.