As if your teenage years aren’t stressful enough, let’s add breakouts into the mix.  For many of you during this time, pimples will begin to seemingly pop up overnight, out of nowhere, without any warning. Don’t be alarmed, this is perfectly normal and primarily caused by the hormonal changes that come with puberty. These hormones signal the skin's oil glands to produce more oil which can in turn lead to breakouts. They are definitely not fun, however, with the proper know-how and skin care routine you can be on your way to clearer skin in no time. Here’s what you need to know:  

if you want to fix your acne in your teens  

Wash your face with a cleanser 
Use the ingredients that fight breakouts 
Blackheads need a bit more care 
See a dermatologist (if necessary) 
BE PATIENT 

wash twice a day with a mild facial cleanser 

The first step in any solid routine is a suitable cleanser for both morning and evening use. A cleanser designed to remove dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and excess oil without stripping the skin or drying it out is an absolute must. Cleansing the skin is super important because if our skin is not cleansed or not cleansed enough, the products we apply afterwards will not fully absorb. Also, the debris left on the skin will lead to clogged pores which cause breakouts. Research has shown that our skin is dirtier than ever due to pollution, makeup, and sebum (yikes), so make sure you’re thoroughly cleansing your skin morning and night.   

use products with acne fighting ingredients  

Ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are designed to specifically target acne and can be found in an array of skin care products from cleansers, scrubs, masks, spot treatments, etc. Salicylic acid works by seeking out oil in the skin to unclog pores and reduce oil secretion. Benzoyl peroxide works to dry out the breakout and reduce the actual acne causing bacteria. It may take some time, but it’s all about finding what products and ingredients work best for you.  

Blackheads, however, are a different beast to tame. The best way to fight blackheads is through thoroughly cleansing, toning, and masking on top of your regular skin care regimen. Click here to learn more about blackheads about how to get rid of them. 

for severe acne, consider making an appointment with your dermatologist 

For acne that persists or may be cystic, it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of a board certified dermatologist. A dermatologist is someone who specializes in treating anything having to do with the skin. They are your go-to to treat skin conditions, nails, and hair. They have unlimited tools at their disposal that may not be found over the counter. These may include topical/oral prescriptions, chemical peels, laser light therapies, etc. Fun fact: Clear Start was formulated and tested by board certified dermatologists so you’re in good hands.  

don’t forget to be patient  

Even if a product promises overnight results, don’t believe the hype. Your skin is a living, breathing organ that needs time to heal, the way a cut does. Acne treatments can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to see improvement. Remember to be patient and stick to one consistent routine. If you notice your skin starts to break out more than usual, don’t freak out. Your skin may be purging which is common when starting a new acne care routine. Because your skin is shedding dead skin cells faster than normal with a new routine, breakouts of all kinds can occur. Don’t get discouraged! This is all a part of the process of getting to clear skin.