Author: Riley Andrews
Source: ezinearticles.com
Acne is the most common problem facing many teenagers. For teenagers afflicted with the condition, the onset of acne marks the beginning of embarrassment and stress that can last for years. As a result, discovering how to get rid of acne is an important goal.
It is hard to turn on the television without encountering any number of celebrity infomercials touting various acne cures – as though the products’ promoters believe that Hollywood stars are somehow able to convince the general public that the product is credible. While many of these commercials’ claims stretch the bounds of credibility, they are, unfortunately, presented in language that mirrors exactly what many teenagers want to hear.
My son, for example, experienced severe acne a number of years ago and was so alarmed that he was open to trying anything that might get rid of the condition. His desperation led him to experiment with an acne product he saw on an infomercial, but all he received for his money was an unwanted delay in receiving real treatment for his problem.
He was sixteen years old at the time of his first acne, and seeking a quick fix to restore his clear skin. It was not long before he grew frustrated with the “miracle cures” available to him, and allowed us to make an appointment for him with the dermatologist.
After the doctor prescribed several creams and an oral medicine, it was a matter of only several months before his acne cleared up almost completely!
Though that solution worked in his case, it was not needed when we treated his younger brother’s acne a couple of years later. In that case, the home treatments that we used were able to clear up the acne – without resorting to a visit to the doctor.
We learned a lot from dealing with two children with severe acne, including some essential truths about home remedies:
1) For dry skin sufferers, it is best to stick to the cream forms of acne treatment. Look for creams with ingredients that include either salycic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
2) For skin that is oily and dry, you will need to incorporate gels and creams designed to handle both problems. Of course, be sure to use them each in the areas where they will do the most good (dry skin cream on your dry cheeks, but not on your oily forehead, for example).
3) Many of these creams and gels can prove to be overly intense when used by individuals with extremely sensitive skin. In those cases, use a minimalist approach to treatment and make sure you apply them directly to the affect areas only.
4) Be careful not to touch you face with hands that are unclean and try to avoid squeezing or picking the pustules. In most cases, this will make the situation worse and sometimes causes unnecessary scarring.
5) If your acne continues to get painful or worse, you should strongly consider seeing a dermatologist.
Despite the advances in medicine and science over the last several decades, acne is still a persistent problem for millions upon millions of Americans every day. Even in my late 40s, I still occasionally experience skin blemishes that require treatment. It seems that my skin has become oilier with age, and acne emerges after any period of intense physical activity – such as hiking or a weekend of camping.
Luckily, the acne problem is easily managed by a return to my regular routine, normal rest, and good eating habits.
Riley Andrews is the chief editor of Get-Rid-Of-Acne-Now.Net a website that discusses the latest Acne Treatments. To learn more, go here to discover other great ideas on How to Get Rid of Acne and clear up your face Now!.
