OMG… It’s 3 days to Prom and you have this ginormous zit that closely resembles a third eye growing on your face. You are not alone and it is not the end of the world. All of the hormonal changes the body goes through during puberty cause oil glands to become overactive. While this isn’t the only cause of acne, it’s the one that affects teens the most. You won’t fully stop breakouts no matter what you do, but there are lots of ways to treat them and lessen the severity and frequency.
The Commandments of Teen Skin Care
Thou shalt not pick thy face. Don’t pick, pop, scratch, pinch, squeeze, or touch your face. This will only cause it to be even more inflamed and will spread bacteria to other parts of the face, as well as lead to scarring.
Thou shalt cleanse thy face 2-3 times daily. Use a mild, unscented cleanser and scrub lightly with a soft cloth or cleansing pad. Don’t scrub too hard, though. You will strip your skin of the natural oils that it needs to be healthy, plus it can cause further inflammation. Use a mild astringent toner during breakouts. Try a natural toner of Tea Tree essential oil and Witch Hazel – both of which you can get at the drug store. Witch Hazel is a gentler astringent than alcohol that won’t over-dry skin, and Tea Tree oil has beneficial antibacterial properties. Tea Tree oil is quite potent, so don’t apply directly to skin. Use 3-4 drops of the essential oil to each ounce of Witch Hazel.
Thou shalt use sunscreen. Some acne treatments and medications can make you more prone to sunburn. Use sunscreens religiously, preferably and oil-free moisturizing sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. I know you’ve heard it before, but sun damage causes premature aging and increases your chances of developing skin cancer. Don’t lay out and bake yourself. Tanning beds are no different. If you want a tan, the safest way to get one is using "tan-in-a-can" (sunless tanners).
Thou shalt use oil-free makeup. This includes moisturizers, foundation, blush, and powder. Chose products that do not block pores. The best makeup you can get for your face is mineral makeup. It is pure, light, natural, non-comedogenic (doesn’t block pores), and can actually be soothing and healing. Whatever makeup you choose, make sure to clean your brushes and sponges regularly.
Tips & Treatments
I know I told you the #1 commandment is not to pick or pop, but I also know there are a whole bunch of you who are going to do it anyway. If you just can’t leave it alone, at least do it right. First, be as sterile as possible. Wash your hands with soap before fiddling with your face. Next, you should know when to pop and when not. If the pimple has a whitish pustule (has a "head" on it), you can pop that one if you must. Soak a washcloth with hot water and hold it gently against the offending menace for several minutes, but don’t press hard. This will draw the pus upward, making it easier to remove. Gently pat the area dry. Now wrap your index fingers with clean tissue and using gentle pressure, lightly squeeze the pimple – just enough to remove the pus. Don’t squeeze it until it bleeds. That will only make matters worse and lead to scarring. If you don’t get anything out of it at all, leave it alone. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and inflammation.
If the pimples are simple blackheads, a nice clay mask and/or those nifty pore strips will do the trick. Squeezing blackheads will bruise your face and make your pores look huge.
For those big, red, itchy and sore bumps, just leave them alone. Your best bet is to cover them with makeup. Concealer is your friend. A little green-tinted color corrector to counteract redness and flesh-tone concealer usually work rather well. Your only other option for immediate relief is to visit a dermatologist, who can inject a cortisone solution directly into the pimple, instantly shrinking it.
It’s always the best idea to consult a dermatologist before beginning or ending any kind of treatment regimen. Start your preventative maintenance now. Don’t wait until 3 days before the Prom. And if you do develop a zit right before, don’t panic or worry. It really isn’t the end of the world!
Donna Standridge
CEO, Saphoros Spa Essentials
This article is not intended to offer medical advice in any way. Always consult a licensed medical doctor before beginning or ending any treatment regimen