It should be that your teenage years should be remembered as filled with fun, socializing and hanging out with your friends, but for many of you, having acne spoils everything. Acne and blemishes can actually affect you psychologically and can even lead to depression in some cases. Most people know that acne and blemishes are much more common when you are a teenager than when you are an adult and it is estimated that almost 80% of teenagers will have acne. The main reason for this is due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty, which then affect the condition of the skin. There, the hormones in turn affect the sebaceous glands that cause acne. Hormones aren’t the only cause of blemishes and acne, of course, but it’s one of the main reasons teens get them. Dead skin cells on the face, along with excess oil produced on the face, known as sebum, cause acne, blemishes, and blackheads.

How can we get rid of them?

Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help you get rid of blemishes and acne. You will find that most over the counter products will work if you follow a routine and give the product time to work. Too many people use a product for a few days and then when they don’t see any improvement, they stop using it. It may take a few weeks to see a dramatic improvement, but it’s worth it. However, it is a fact that no matter what you try, some blemishes and acne simply do not respond to these products and then it may be time to see your doctor. He or she may decide to refer you to a dermatologist so that you can receive specialized care. Acne is certainly annoying and it’s natural to want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, in any way you can, but if you can avoid touching your face and picking at the blemishes, it will help them disappear faster. Poking and squeezing can spread bacteria from one part of your face to another and this will only make matters worse as you can force pus deeper into your pores.

Will changing my diet help?

You will probably find a lot of advice telling you that if you eat certain foods, your acne will get worse. Chocolate, chips, potato chips, and other fatty foods are the main culprits, but there’s no strong evidence to suggest this is the case. However, it is always a good idea to try to eat healthy; include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. One of the best things you can do for your skin is to drink water, and lots of it! Try to drink at least two liters each day, as the extra fluids will help flush toxins from your skin, leaving it clearer and smoother. Getting a good night’s sleep will also help your skin heal; A good 8 hours is recommended. Of course, as a teenager, you want to go out and have fun, but try to limit the number of late nights you have. Living with acne and blemishes can be difficult, especially when appearance and image are so important to young people. Just rest assured, you’ll get over it in time, and one day they’ll just be a memory!