Adolescence is such a phase in our lives where tiny little things excite us profusely, and even the smallest discomfort can put us off. Teenage is an emotional experience for all, and yes, hormones are the antagonist that plots us against all of our life’s problems during this time!
During the teen years, hormonal levels in the body tend to fluctuate immensely. The female body starts to produce estrogen and progesterone hormones during this time, whereas the male body starts to produce testosterone. Such fluctuations in the hormonal levels in the human body are reciprocated through certain physical, physiological, and psychological changes in the body.
One such result of our body getting used to the high levels of new hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is the development of acne. Many believe that having acne outbreaks is the worst side effect of puberty. High hormone levels enlarge our skin’s pores, making the sebaceous glands and oil glands under our skin to be hyperactive, resulting in excess oil secretion.
According to various skincare surveys conducted throughout the world, around 80% of teenagers suffer from acne and oily skin. As a result, nearly 50% of the teenage population across the globe suffer from low self-esteem, low body positivity, and thus depression due to acne outbreaks.
The only prevailing question in the minds of teenagers is, “What should I do to get rid of this acne?” If you ever Googled this, various pages will give you numerous suggestions, but no one will tell you how effective those remedies are to get rid of that stubborn acne. The more you read about these remedies, the more confused you will be until you lose hope and settle for the fact that your acne is never going to reduce or go away.
Don’t worry; we got you covered! Look no further since we have curated this list of things you can do, slight lifestyle changes you can make, which will help you overcome your acne issues.
Here are 5 things you need to start doing immediately to reduce your acne and prevent it from reappearing on your face-
- Cleanse twice a day: One of the primary reasons for getting acne is the dirt accumulation and oil deposit on the face. Cleansing your face twice in a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed at night, will help your skin stay clean. Cleansing your skin will remove all the dirt, dust, sweat, makeup residual, and pollutants from your skin’s pores, thus preventing acne. Make sure you choose a cleanser according to your skin type.
- Never use harsh exfoliators: People often tend to make a common mistake when it comes to incorporating exfoliation in their skincare routine. Rubbing your skin too hard with exfoliators will not only irritate your skin but also cause damage to the deeper layers of the skin, which are sensitive. Irritating your skin will only elevate your acne problem. Instead, take the exfoliating gel or cream and, with the help of your fingertips, gently massage the granular product onto your skin in circular motions. Wash your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin with a face towel before applying the next skincare product like a moisturizer or a treatment solution.
- Invest in a good moisturizer: Remember one golden rule- moisturize twice daily and choose one that suits your skin type. People often tend to think that oily skin does not require moisturizing. However, it is a proven fact that not moisturizing your oily skin can leave it extremely dry after cleansing and hence irritate your acne more. Lack of moisturizing makes the oil glands beneath your skin hyperactive, resulting in excess production of oil from the skin, and therefore acne. Choose moisturizers that contain salicylic acid as it helps to fight acne and locks in moisture without irritating the skin. Again, according to what your dermatologist recommends, you can also opt for moisturizers that contain retinoids, since they help to combat severe acne.
- Keep your scalp clean: One of the primary reasons why you are getting acne outbreaks is dirty scalp and greasy hair. Excess oil on the scalp traps dirt and bacteria together, leading to uncontrolled acne outbreaks. Also, a dry scalp can produce flakes that could block pores and cause inflammations. Wash your scalp and the entire length of the hair at least three times in a week to keep the scalp healthy and your skin pimple free. Be gentle on your scalp while shampooing your hair. Use sulfate-free shampoos as surfactants can be drying, causing you to itch and irritate your skin.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Leading a healthy lifestyle is key to solving skin problems. When you are facing acne breakouts, make necessary changes to prevent acne from spreading all over your face. Commit to balancing out junk and healthy food in your diet. Consume fruits and vegetables daily. Proper skincare is not complete without exercise. Our body releases toxins out through sweat, and moving each part of our body through exercise will help in distributing blood flow to all parts equally. So, the more you sweat it out, the more you will glow, and fewer problems you will have to face when in dealing with acne.