Acne—How to Treat and Control It

Causes of Acne

During puberty, your skin gets oilier. This can cause pimples. There are many myths about what causes acne, but there are really only 3 main causes.

• Hormones. You get more of them during puberty. Certain hormones, called androgens, trigger the oil glands on the face, back, shoulders, and upper chest to begin producing more oil. This can cause acne in some people. Some girls get more pimples before and during their periods. This is caused by changes in the levels of hormones.

• Bacteria. Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes can be part of the cause of acne.

• Plugged oil ducts. Small whiteheads or blackheads can form when the oil ducts in your skin get plugged with oil and skin cells. They can turn into the hard and bumpy pimples of acne.

What Doesn't Cause Acne

Don't let people tell you it's your fault. It's not. Acne is not caused by

• Dirt. That black stuff in a blackhead is not dirt. A chemical reaction in the oil duct turns it black. No matter how much you wash your face, you can still get acne.

• Contact with people. You can't catch acne from or give acne to another person.

• Food. Even though soft drinks, chocolate, and greasy foods aren't really good for you, they don't cause acne directly. There is some information suggesting a diet high in sugar and starch may worsen acne, however. Some supplements such as whey protein may also worsen acne.

What to Do and Not Do

If you have acne, here are some tips on what to do and not do.

• Do wash your face twice a day. In general, milder soaps and cleansers are better for your skin. If you play sports or work up a sweat, wash your face right afterward.

• Do wash or change your pillowcase 1 to 2 times per week. Residue from hair products and oils can worsen acne.

• Do eat a well-balanced diet.

• Do learn how to handle stress. Sometimes stress and anxiety can cause pimples. Try to keep your stress down by getting enough sleep and having time to relax.

• Do ask your doctor about medicines. If you have to take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it can cause pimples. Also ask your doctor what medicines would be best to treat your acne.

• Don't pop or pinch your zits. All this does is break open the lining of the oil ducts and make them redder and more swollen. This can also cause scars.

• Don't scrub your skin too hard—it irritates the skin. Other things that can irritate the skin are headbands, hats, chin straps, and other protective pads like football players use.

• Don't use greasy makeup or oily hair products. These can block oil ducts and make acne worse.

Types of Medicines

There's no cure for acne, but there are over-the-counter and prescription medicines to help keep your acne under control. Also, acne usually clears up as you get older.

NOTE: Check with your doctor before using any medicine. It is important to follow the directions. Also, you should try any new acne regimen for 3 months before giving up because it will take that long to see the maximal benefits.

How to Apply Topical Medicine

Apply a thin layer to the entire area where pimples may occur. Don't just dab it on top of your pimples. A pea-sized amount should be used to cover the entire face. You can use a "5-dot" method where a small dot-sized amount is applied to the forehead, each cheek, nose, and chin. Avoid the skin around your eyes.

Remember

Here are things to keep in mind no matter what treatment you use.

• Be patient. Give each treatment enough time to work. It may take 3 to 6 weeks or longer before you see a change and 12 weeks for maximum improvement.

• Be faithful. Follow your treatment program every day. Don't stop and start each time your skin changes. Not using it regularly is the most common reason why treatments fail.

• Follow directions. Not using it correctly can result in treatment failure or troublesome side effects.

• Only use your medicine. Doctors prescribe medicine specifically for particular patients. What's good for a friend may not be good for you.

• Don't overdo it. Too much scrubbing makes skin worse. Too much benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoid cream can make your face red and scaly. Too much oral antibiotic may cause side effects.

• Don't worry about what other people think. It's no fun having acne, and some people may say hurtful things about it.

• Try not to let it bother you. Most teens get some acne at some point. Acne usually clears up as you get older. Remember that acne is temporary and there are a lot of ways to keep it under control.