ACNE (PIMPLES) Acne is a common problem faced by almost all teen-agers and youth. What is acne and why do we get them. Acne is actually caused because of hormone imbalance. Your skin breaks out because of a hormone called testosterone. Both men and women have testosterone in their systems. In fact, did you know that in order to make testosterone, boys bodies have to make female hormones first? If you have acne, you haven't got abnormal levels of testosterone. You've got skin that reacts abnormally to this hormone. You start producing testosterone around the time you start sprouting body hair. Testosterone tells glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, to produce oily stuff called sebum. To add to the problem the inside of the tubes that hold each hair become gummy and get partially blocked - giving you blackheads. Put together if sebum blocks the tubes --- you have big acne.
So go to your pharmacist or doctor to get your acne treated. Here are a few tips that will help you know how to treat acne at home.
1. If you have red angry looking acne, don't touch it. If you squeeze now, all you'll do is force the contents deeper into the skin that will make matters worst. And all you'll end up with is redder, angrier acne than you had before. Don't do it.
2. If you have a yellow custard top? Go for it. These beauties CAN be squeezed but there's an art to it. Here's how. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid trouble and infection. Put a tissue over your finger. Why? Because you want the contents of the spot on the tissue, not splattered all over the mirror. Using the side of your thumb and the end of your finger, very gently start to squeeze. Don't whatever you do, use your nails as this will damage your skin. Stop when you're applying a lot of pressure and nothing is happening and you see clear fluid, rather than yellow grotty stuff and the spot begins to bleed. When you've finished dab it with antiseptic. Once the custard bit is out, the spot will heal more quickly than an unsqueezed yellow top would, providing that you now leave it well alone. Now wash your hands again.
3. Whiteheads and blackheads. If acne is left untreated they may cause this problem. Here the rule is if they're black, squeeze but if they're small, white raised lumps leave them alone. All that stuff about clean hands, tissues and stopping if nothing is happening or you see blood, apply here too.
Tips for acne treatment 1. DON'T TRY TO WASH IT AWAY
Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact people with oily skin have cleaner skin than average because they wash it more often. But it's a fact that washing too much can make acne worse because it makes the skin dry and sore. So, wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. If you have patches of dry skin, don't worry about putting moisturizer on. It won't make your acne worse. If you're still concerned, use an oil free moisturizer.
2. DON'T NUKE 'EM
There are lots of over the counter creams, gels, lotions and potions. Most contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide. You'll find the strength written on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for the highest sort, working on the 'let's nuke 'em principle. The likely result is that you'll irritate your skin like mad. It may also go all dry and scaly on you. But if you still are willing to bleach then use the mild one.
3. MAKE A DATE - THE TWO MONTH RULE
If you have been using over the counter remedies for two months and there is no real improvement in your spots, this is the moment to go and make an appointment with your doc.
4. YOUR DOCTOR - THE TWO MONTH RULE
The thing you are most likely to be given by the doctor is a prescription for antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you put on your skin) or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take. You should take them for at least two months and then go back to your doc. If they seem to be working, he will probably tell you to keep taking them and give you some more. If they aren't doing their stuff, don't despair - he has loads of other spot busters in his black bag.
5. YOU ARE NOT AN ALIEN - BUT JUST BE PATIENT
Hundreds of thousands of teenagers seek help for acne. You are not alone. You are not an alien. And if people really care about you, they don't even notice your acne, however bad you think they are. But you will need to be patient. Most treatments take time to work. At least two months. And some treatments, like antibiotics will work well but may have to be taken for months, or even years.
6. THE MONTHLY CURSE... OR EXAMS
Acne does tend to get worse just before a period. It's because there is a surge in hormone levels at this time. But boys don't get away lightly either. Being hot and sweaty (particularly after sports like football) makes acne worse. And for everyone, stress - particularly at exam times - is a cue for a mega breakout. This is normal - and of course, even more reason for feeling stressed. Go chill. They'll get better - promise.
7. WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
Some beauty products are big no-nos. These include pomades and defrizzing agents for hair that tend to cause an outcrop of blackheads along the hairline and some of the heavier cosmetics. And be wary of suntan oils. Not all will make you break out, but some may. Try a friend's first before you buy. By the way, the sun might dry up acne and a tan might hide them, but your skin is still vulnerable in the sun and needs protection.
8. CARRY ON KISSING
You can't catch acne during kissing - go for it!
9. CARRY ON EATING CHOCOLATE
It's a myth that eating chocolate and fried foods causes acne. However, eating a good diet improves your general well-being and this is reflected in your skin.
Common Questions asked about acne problem Does wearing make up cause acne?
It is not necessary that wearing make up causes acne. Acne is caused because of hormonal imbalance mostly during puberty. But you have to take special care while you apply make up and thereafter if you have acne. Make sure you wash any make up tools, including sponges and brushes as often as possible as these become a breeding ground for bugs which can cause your spots to pop up. Stop wearing make up if you have too many spots and you can resume after you have treated them. Don't forget to clean the make up after you come home and and make sure you cleanse your face properly each night.
Do skin toner and moisturizer cure acne?
One thing that you need to know is acne is not caused by dirt, so no amount of cleaning and toning is going to get rid of them. So for treating acne you must consult your doctor and eat lots of healthy food and drink lots of water. That is the natural way to keep you face spot free.
Is it ok to do facial?
It can be a real treat to have the facial done, as they can be very relaxing and make you feel properly pampered. However, you should be aware that they should not be used to help 'treat' spots, as this can be quite dangerous if the beauty therapist is not trained. Sometimes a beauty therapist will also squeeze out any spots and blackheads that if it's not done properly, may cause a bigger problem than before.
What is the best way to cover up spots?
Foundation is okay to use and may give you more confidence if you've got a hot date, but remember to look for oil-free one. Whatever you use to put on your skin, wash your hands or sponge before applying foundation.
Replies:
pimples suck...duh
i've had pimples since i was 10! no lie. i hateeee it! i tried everything!! my so called "best friend" makes fun of me and laughs at me all the time. and in my 5th grade picture you can see the little suckers from far away!!
I've been using Neutrogena
I've been using Neutrogena but it isn't really effective. Any recommendations here??!pls
Proactiv Sucks!
I've been using proactiv for 3 months in the morning and at night and my skin isn't getting any better if anything its getting worse! The only thing that works from Proactiv is their refining mask! I hate Proactiv! Did you know its like a drug for your skin! When you stop using it you breakout! Thats how Proactiv gets their money! Don't get it! For some people it does work but for most it doesn't! If you look closely at their commercials it says (RESULTS MAY VARY). I got it and I hate it now! I stopped using it and just use facial masks and toothpaste. Toothpaste works way better than Proactiv!
ACNE ON YOUR NOSE?!?! WTF!
Yes. I have acne on my NOSE. And my nose is right in the middle of my face. I mean, I'm fourteen years old and everyone says acne is normal for a teenager. But seriously, hardly any kids at my school have acne. Maybe there's a little pimple every few days, but they don't have colonies of pimples on their nose.
*sigh*
I know I shouldn't stress out too much about this. It'll only make acne worse. But how am I suppose to react to the situation? What can I do--besides drinking more water, excersizing to relieve stress, and eating fruits!? I've done all that! But the horrible acne on my nose just WON'T GO AWAY. Any suggestions?
Proactiv...
doesn't work.
Used it for 3 months nothing happened. In fact I broke out more.
Went to my doctor, dermatologist and they both agreed proactiv does nothing or very very little for acne.
Proactiv?
Proavtiv does work... and it does'nt work. It depends on what kind of skin you have(no I don't know which kinds of skin). My esti. is probably about for 45% of people it will work. Sometimes it does work, but only halfway. I suggest looking up homemade recipes for facials, like making oatmeal(no not the instant kind, its got artificiol stuff which is bad 4 your skin) and tearing little bits of spinach and mixing it up, and apply like a facial.
hehe hope this helped. lol
May
Do treatments work better on girls than on guys?
My brother and I have both been using Proactive. I'm starting to see some results (not much but some) but my brother isn't seeing any at all. He's never really had much luck fighting his acne.
My theory is that the reason he's having a problem is that he's a boy. I mean, his skin is thicker, more oily, he sweats more...this seems to be the case with guys. Does this mean that they should be using some other sort or treatment...maybe one that reaches through their thicker skin??
I want to help my brother. He's miserable.
Has anyone heard anything about gender making a difference? Has anyone maybe heard of a gender-specific treatment just for guys??
Interesting...
This is a nice info. However i found out that it is better for you to get rid of acne by flushing all the toxin in your body. Im able to clear my face from acne by undergoing a detox program. Details here:
http://www.skinbattle.com
i think Acne Aid Bar soap
i think Acne Aid Bar soap works better than any other soaps.
Like everyone seems to say,
Like everyone seems to say, I've tried every treatment under the sun but I've had acne for about a year now. I'm 20 years old, so it really does affect people at any age.
Annoyingly I used to have perfect skin til about a year ago, no over-the-counter products will work really, especially since I'm a guy and I've noticed it definitely takes longer for anything to work with a guy.
I've gotten so desperate I've taken to smothering my face in Iodine Tinctide solution, which for the first night drastically reduced my spots, the second night it continued to reduce them but worse ones appeared in different parts of my face, so it's like fighting a losing battle.
Using something this harsh on spots for more than 3 nights in a row I really wouldn't suggest, if you have sensitive skin it'll cause extreme irritation.
Also importantly, DIET IS A FACTOR. Experts tell you chocolate doesn't affect spots, but these "experts" are corrupt, they want you to continue to buy their foods and expensive treatments. Experimenting I've noticed any fizzy drinks, chocolate or foods with excess sugar will guarantee a breakout within a few days.
What does seem to help is washing no more than 2 times a day. Moisturising using a brand called Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser, which has no perfumes - even when you don't think you need to moisturise do it anyway. Avoid putting specific spot treatments on, but you can apply Savlon or other antiseptics, these won't help your spots but will stop the current ones spreading and causing more.
The most important tool in your arsenal? PATIENCE.
You didn't get spots overnight, and they won't go overnight either.
Thick Skin
I'm a really sweaty guy, but I try to keep myself clean. Regardless of this fact, I always seem to break out on my forehead and hairline. Most of the products I've tried don't work. I tried to do some research and I found this site-http://www.campusacnetruth.org/default.aspx. It says that guy's skin is 25% thicker than females. That being said, does anyone knows of a product made specifically for guys?
THIS WILL WORK
wash ur face with shampoo (trust me) twice daily.
What should I use?
I have been trying everything but nothing seems to work. What can I use?
What should i do?
ok im a 12 year old girl,and i have pimples EVERYWERE on my face.And it sucks!!!I get made fun of all the time in school by everyone.Ive Tryed EVERYTHING and nothing works for me!!!WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!
hi
Hi
Ive got a few red angry looking spots near my eyebrows and ive been washing my face 3 - 4 times a day and then applying tea tree cream on my face , blobs of tea tree on each spot is best. it is working but is there anything faster i can use?? like natural remedies NOT TOOTHPASTE i tried it 10 times and each time it miade the spots hurt more and become bigger i used the correct kind, white and non gel and it was awful. it may work for you but not me ok lol
thanx byeeeeee
I had pimples and spots
I had pimples and spots since I was 9...yeah it sucks. I've tried tons of stuff. I went to the doctors and got this lotion stuff which dried out my skin really badly. Right now it's kind of calming down. It's not acne or anything. The best thing for spots is soap and water, but usually you're tempted to try out the fancy lotions and cleansers, which do alot more harm than good. Some people say tea tree oil works, but I've tried it, and it doesn't really do anything to help your appearance- it is a natural disinfectant, which could help prevent new spots, but yeah. The doctor said that you should try any product for at least two or three months before you give up on it. Try to look for products with the least ingredients, or products that haven't been tested on animals, or products which have 'natural' or 'simple' ingredients, because they'll be mild and better for your skin. If you have really oily skin, try witch hazel. If you have dry or normal skin, don't use it. Facial scrubs can really aggravate your skin and won't do any good- what your skin will do is absorb the [really horrible, chemical] liquid in the scrub, then leave the actual scrub stuff [lol]. Apparently oatmeal and milk in a paste is good. Sun lotions sometimes help. Anne French cleansing milk is really good, too. If you put some vaseline on a spot, leave it on, and then wash it off, it helps alot. The longer you leave it on, the longer it works. Natural remedies are definatley the best. If you use the toothpaste method, don't put too much on or near your eyes, because it'll kill. I think baking soda or powder and water is meant to work. I'm not sure if garlic works, but eat alot of it [chew parsley or brush your teeth ten times afterwards though], because it's great for you and will probably ultimatley help your skin...perfume can be used as a disinfectant. Atm I'm using Carex antibacterial handgel, which probably sounds odd, but it works! =D Good luck! ;]
!!
I used proactive for three weeks straight- washing my face with the four things in the morning, and at night. And did i see results? NOPE!
Do NOT waste your money on Proactive like i did. Maybe its because my skin is different from everyone elses, but if your skin was like MINE, than don't waste your money!
Can anyone tell me some REALLY good remedies for getting rid of my annoying pimples?!
help!!!
everytime i use any face wash i get more pimples...i dont knw y...i tryd everythng n nothing works..... and what cn i do about the marks that the pimples have left?
Right now
Right now i have toothpaste on my face, i hope it works! I like this guy at school, and i feel nervouse when i think about talkin to him, bcuz he might look at my face and be scared! I'm 12 and if i'm this bad now, whats it going to b like in 2 years time? So tonight i try toothpaste, i think tommorow i will get the St. Ives apricot scrub out..i tried it before but i never saw much change, maybe because i didn't stick with it. And the only bad thing about the toothpaste is - it's so sticky u don't want to move your face! And it stings your eyes with all the fumes. But it feels like it's doing SOMETHING! Please post back some advice. I'm putting some makeup on tommorow for skl, maybe the guy will check me ooout !! If the toothpaste works, i will b over the moon!
HELP ME!!
Ok so i have had acne for about 2 - 3 years now and i have tried so many things. I've tried just washing my face with soap at night and in the mornings, i've treid retasol-a, i've tried clean and clear exfoliating fash wash, i've tried proactive, and i've also tried benzol peroxide non of these things have worked for me. I need a fast and easy way of getting rid of my acne. please help me!
proactiv doesn't work. i
proactiv doesn't work. i used it for more than 2 months and it got worse, but not only that... it left scars and very very tiny crators. so if you don't want either of the two, do not even try it. i use St. Ives Apricot Scrub thats meant for acne and blackheads and it works really good. One thing i definetly learned though.. is stay away from soda, or atleast caffinated kinds.. same for coffee.. go decaf.. taste the same, drink a lot of water... or any natural fruit drinks and eat TONS of leafy greens and veggies. also, go for a 20-30 minute walk everyday, that way you get your body moving and it sends oxygen to your face.
my boyfriend doesn't use soap in the shower, just a hot face cloth to scrub his face and he never breaks out.
Acne...:|
I've got acne right in the "T" zone, which is from your forehead, down to the tip of your nose, to your chin. I tend to breakout the most right around my chin. I'm using Neutrogena Rapid Clear treatment pads, and it works but if you don't use it at least once a day (right after you wash your face, thoroughly) your acne will begin to become bad again. And about Proactive...
I tried it ONE time and my face became red, itchy, and blotchy! I was miserable! It cleared my acne up, sure...but WHO wants to go through that??!
It may work for SOME people with less sensative skin...but NOT for me. Nope.
I'd rather just go the SAFE way...
:) ~RaCHeL~
Proative
It really works i have it and i think it work. There just saying that so people dont use it and this company is trying to make more money. So i am going to try the things you gave to me to use and if does not work then ok. If it does work i am sorry for saying the things i said
DANGEROUS INGREDIENTS
I'm a health freak and some information that I found on http://campusacnetruth.org/html/acne_treatments.html that I found interesting and frightening.
Has anyone heard of Parabens?? Parabens are preservatives used in almost all acne treatments to prolong shelf life. The problem with them is that they have now been linked to certain types of cancer. They've even been banned in Europe! And yet, treatments still contain these dangerous ingredients.
Read those ingredients labels!
I can help on the acne problem!!!!!!!!
Well i was sufering with acne too so i told my mom and she gave me a home
made cure to help and i tried it for a week and it cleared most of my acne well
here it is kids, you will need cotton balls, vitamin E oil, alchohol, and limes.
well in the morning you wash your face with soap you tap drie your face with a clean towel
so then you grab your alchohol and a cotton ball and put the alchohol on the
cotton ball and clean your face until there is no dirt on it any more , after that cut
your limes squeez them in a little container and use a cotton swab to dip it in the
container and apply it all over your face where you have the problem and wait till
it dries and apply the vitamin E oil and do the samething at night you will see results
i one week garrenteed.
how to get rid of dark face and pimples??
can u just suggest me d way to get rid of dark face as well as pimples plzz...coz i have aplied ol kinda products and now i luv to apply home products..so plzz help me out for this kinda prob...thank u!!
heres an IMPORTANT tip dont
heres an IMPORTANT tip
dont use very strong rememdies (like proactive stuff) every night-
my doctor told me that skin can actually become IMMUNE to stuff like that if you use it all the time
thats why stuff like proactive will work the first few weeks, then stop working.
the best thing to do is just to avoid touching your skin all the time, and when you get a really bad pimple, try putting a small amount of benzoyl peroxide on your zits- its really works!
hope it helps!
ACNE
DIRT REALLY WORKS!!! I'M JUST KIDDING!!! I HAVEN'T USED MOST PRODUCTS LIKE THE ONES SHOWN ON T.V. BUT I HAD TERRIBLE PIMPLES, I WASHED MY FACE WITH A SIMPLE FACEWASH FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND IT REALLY HELPED ME!!! AFTER THAT THOUGH, I THOUGHT THAT MY SKIN WOULD STAY LIKE THAT SO I DIDN'T WASH IT NO MORE AND NOW IT'S ALL UGLY AGAIN! ALL I WANT IS A FACE PRODUST THAT U JUST NEED ONCE A WEEK, NOT ONE THAT U HAVE TO USE EVERY DAY, DO YOU KNOW OF ANY?
??????
Does any one know what the best type of alcahol is to put on my big red angery Pimples??
Thanks
HELP :(
OMG i have had acne since i was like 7 and ha and its been 7 years since i have had it and still do. i cant stand it and need something that will help and i have tried everything and it is so anoyying when you like someone or want to meet someone new but you don't want to go up to them cause you are worried what they will say about your face with all that acne on it... aghh and especially when you have a gorgeous face and you have that nasty stuff on there. and also when you get invited to a pool party and you have to make up an excuise why you cant go or you go and you have to make up something why you cant go swimming because you dont want your makeup to come off and everyone to see your face with acne on it.... and i am only 13 and i don't want to have this anymore and be embarrassed and live the rest of my life with it.... i just want to go one day without having to worry about my face and what my makeup look like it...... please help please :( Thanks
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