Acne (also known as “pimples”) is very common among teenagers, young adults and even older adults. Just about every teen will have a breakout at some point. Having to deal with acne can be upsetting at any age; however there are treatments that can help.
First, it’s important to avoid things that can irritate your skin such as oily makeup, greasy lotions and oily hair products. Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze the pimples. Next, wash your face with a mild soap twice a day and after you exercise/sweat. Wash your hands before touching your face, and use oil-free sunscreen. Over-the-counter acne medicine that contains benzoyl peroxide (such as Clearasil®, ProActiv® and Oxy®), resorcinol, salicylic acid or sulfur) can sometimes help with mild acne. If your acne doesn’t get better, make an appointment with your primary care provider and ask about prescription medicine which may include antibiotics or birth control pills. If you also have excess hair growth or irregular menstrual periods, your PCP may suggest checking your hormone levels. Your PCP may also have you see a dermatologist (a doctor that specializes in treating skin conditions) if your acne is not improving.
Learn more about acne: https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/07/25/acne/
Our health guides are developed through a systematic, rigorous process to ensure accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness. Written and reviewed by experienced healthcare clinicians from Boston Children's Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital and consistently ranked as a top hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, these guides combine clinical expertise, specialized knowledge, and evidence-based medicine. We also incorporate research and best practices from authoritative sources such as the CDC, NIH, PubMed, top medical journals, and UpToDate.com. Clinical specialists and subject matter experts review and edit each guide, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, factual, scientifically accurate health information for young people.