Acne Treatment Tips Just for Preteens
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Updated September 27, 2014.
You may not be a teenager yet, but you may already be noticing bumps, blackheads and pimples. Lots of kids your age get acne. It’s a normal part of growing up.
But just because you are breaking out doesn’t mean you have to just deal with it. There are things you can do to help control pimples and keep your skin healthy at the same time.
These six easy skin care tips will show you how.
Now that you’re older, taking care of your skin is important. But don’t worry, it’s really easy.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Apply acne treatments on every day (if you’re using them) and use a moisturizer if your skin is feeling dry. That’s pretty simple, right?More »
Keeping your face clean is important, but you don’t want to over-do it. Scrubbing won't make acne better.
Scrubbing too much, or scrubbing really hard, can make your skin feel really sore. Plus, it can make any breakouts you have look way worse. Scrubbing is not good for your skin!
Don’t use really rough washcloths, loofahs, or extra-gritty scrubs on your face. Instead, use just your fingertips or a soft washcloth when your washing your face. Facial scrub products might be OK, as long as they’re not too abrasive and you don’t rub them in really hard.
Remember to be gentle with your skin.More »
While it might be tempting, popping pimples is really bad for your skin.
Squeezing blemishes can make them bigger and redder. Plus, pimples can’t heal well if you’re constantly picking at them.
Probably the biggest reason not to pop – it can leave a scar. Remember, that pimple won’t last forever but an acne scar will.More »
That means no toothpaste, no cinnamon, no Windex, or anything else that isn’t really meant to be put on your face.
None of these remedies work for acne (no matter what your friends say) and they can actually make your skin look and feel a lot worse. They can burn your skin, irritate your skin, and in some cases they can cause an allergic reaction.
If you feel you really need to put something on a pimple, try a spot treatment that you can buy at the store instead.
The acne treatment products you can buy in the store actually do work, especially if you have mild acne. The trick is choosing the right product.
Look for products that say they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These products will work the best.
Acne treatments can dry your skin out, though. Use an oil-free moisturizer every day if your skin feels tight or dry.More »
If acne is bothering you, or if it’s making you feel badly about yourself, tell your parents. They won't know how acne is affecting you unless you tell them.
Your parents can help you to choose a good over-the-counter acne treatment product. And, if the acne treatment products from the store just aren’t working, your parents can make an appointment for you to see a doctor.
Your doctor can prescribe acne medicines that are stronger than those products you can buy at the store. These medications will work even when over-the-counter products don't.
There are so many good acne treatments available today, so no preteen should have to ignore acne breakouts. With help from your parents and possibly your doctor, you can find a treatment that will work for you.More »
Why Do I Have Acne?
Talking To Your Parents About Seeing a Dermatologist
Help!My Parents Won't Let Me See a Doctor About My Acne
Updated September 27, 2014.
You may not be a teenager yet, but you may already be noticing bumps, blackheads and pimples. Lots of kids your age get acne. It’s a normal part of growing up.
But just because you are breaking out doesn’t mean you have to just deal with it. There are things you can do to help control pimples and keep your skin healthy at the same time.
These six easy skin care tips will show you how.
1. DO take care of your skin every day.
Now that you’re older, taking care of your skin is important. But don’t worry, it’s really easy.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Apply acne treatments on every day (if you’re using them) and use a moisturizer if your skin is feeling dry. That’s pretty simple, right?More »
2. DON'T scrub at your face.
Keeping your face clean is important, but you don’t want to over-do it. Scrubbing won't make acne better.
Scrubbing too much, or scrubbing really hard, can make your skin feel really sore. Plus, it can make any breakouts you have look way worse. Scrubbing is not good for your skin!
Don’t use really rough washcloths, loofahs, or extra-gritty scrubs on your face. Instead, use just your fingertips or a soft washcloth when your washing your face. Facial scrub products might be OK, as long as they’re not too abrasive and you don’t rub them in really hard.
Remember to be gentle with your skin.More »
3. DON'T pop pimples.
While it might be tempting, popping pimples is really bad for your skin.
Squeezing blemishes can make them bigger and redder. Plus, pimples can’t heal well if you’re constantly picking at them.
Probably the biggest reason not to pop – it can leave a scar. Remember, that pimple won’t last forever but an acne scar will.More »
4. DON'T put anything on your skin that isn't made for your skin.
That means no toothpaste, no cinnamon, no Windex, or anything else that isn’t really meant to be put on your face.
None of these remedies work for acne (no matter what your friends say) and they can actually make your skin look and feel a lot worse. They can burn your skin, irritate your skin, and in some cases they can cause an allergic reaction.
If you feel you really need to put something on a pimple, try a spot treatment that you can buy at the store instead.
5. DO try over-the-counter acne treatments.
The acne treatment products you can buy in the store actually do work, especially if you have mild acne. The trick is choosing the right product.
Look for products that say they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These products will work the best.
Acne treatments can dry your skin out, though. Use an oil-free moisturizer every day if your skin feels tight or dry.More »
6. DO talk to your parents.
If acne is bothering you, or if it’s making you feel badly about yourself, tell your parents. They won't know how acne is affecting you unless you tell them.
Your parents can help you to choose a good over-the-counter acne treatment product. And, if the acne treatment products from the store just aren’t working, your parents can make an appointment for you to see a doctor.
Your doctor can prescribe acne medicines that are stronger than those products you can buy at the store. These medications will work even when over-the-counter products don't.
There are so many good acne treatments available today, so no preteen should have to ignore acne breakouts. With help from your parents and possibly your doctor, you can find a treatment that will work for you.More »
Next Steps:
Now that you've learned some basic acne treatment tips, here are some other articles that will help you take care of your skin and find an acne treatment that is right for you.Make sure to check them out:Why Do I Have Acne?
Talking To Your Parents About Seeing a Dermatologist
Help!My Parents Won't Let Me See a Doctor About My Acne
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