When the back-to-school bell rings, you want to arrive at school with a radiant, acne-free face. Here are a few tips for a vibrant start to the school year!
Acne is a very common skin problem that can “mark” adolescence for some people. It affects roughly 90% of the teenage population. While some will occasionally notice a pimple here or there, others will see their faces covered with the typical skin lesions of acne—comedones (blackheads), pimples, papulae, pustules, or cysts.
Over time, acne lesions can cause skin damage that lasts into adulthood, including unsightly scars and marred skin.
Acne is a health problem that causes stress and suffering for many. Yet, the extent of the problem can sometimes be underestimated by loved ones or, even by sufferers themselves.
Acne-prone skin can have a number of repercussions, including the following:
Here are a few steps to take on a daily basis to care for acne-prone skin or to prevent acne.
Wash your skin
Wash your skin twice a day (morning and night), using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser suited to your skin type. Avoid using conventional soap, which promotes acne. Regular cleansing helps remove excess oil from the skin’s surface. Ask your pharmacist or cosmetician to recommend a cleanser.
Avoid rubbing your skin
Avoid rubbing your skin when cleansing. Lather the product on the entire face, rinse thoroughly, and gently pat the skin dry with a towel.
Moisturize your skin
Daily use of a moisturizer helps prevent and control acne. Use a quality, non-comedogenic product for oily skin. Dehydrated skin increases sebum production, making acne worse.
Protect your skin from the sun
Many people are unaware that excessive exposure to the sun or a simple lack of sun protection can exacerbate acne. This is why it is important to protect the skin as much as possible with measures such as staying in the shade, wearing a hat or cap, and avoiding exposure when the sun is at its hottest (e.g., between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.).
The best way to protect yourself is to apply a quality sunscreen before each exposure to the sun that is effective, and well-suited to your skin type. Daily use of sunscreen is advised during the summer months. The following text: “What should you look for in a sunscreen?” can help you make the right choice.
Choose and manage your products
Apply makeup sparingly, and use non-comedogenic, oil-free products. Ask your cosmetician for advice when selecting your cosmetics.
Choose alcohol-free aftershave products to avoid drying out your skin.
When dealing with acne, it’s best not to wait until it goes away on its own. Tackling the problem head on can bring positive short-term results and, above all, prevent complications. Too many people let their acne problem slide and later regret not taking care of it sooner.
There are a wide range of therapeutic game-plans. Both prescription and non-prescription beauty products and medications are available. In cases of mild acne, over-the-counter products such as those containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be used.
Regular use over several weeks may be necessary before results are observed, so patience is key. Ask your pharmacist to recommend the product best suited to your skin and your needs.
In some cases, acne treatment requires a visit to a family doctor or dermatologist—healthcare professionals who can prescribe medication.
Take steps to ensure that acne isn’t your main concern at the start of the school year. Speak to your pharmacist for additional information about acne and its treatment.
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