6 Surprisingly Effective Acne Remedies For Teen Girls
Acne was a huge problem of mine during my teenage years.
And I know it is yours, too.
I remember isolating myself from my peers because of embarrassment. I also became very shy and became less active in school activities.
If you are feeling the same way- stop. We shouldn’t let pimples take over our lives, right?
So, to help you out, I present to you 6 acne remedies for teenage girls that will help you regain your confidence right away.
This is a combination of natural and OTC medications so you’ll have a lot of options.
Ready? Let’s dive into it!
1. Benzoyl Peroxide
Let’s start this list with the most popular OTC remedy available.
This ingredient works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Aside from treating existing zits, it also prevents future breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide is more effective than antibiotics since it directly targets the P. acnes bacteria. While bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics over time, a study shows it’s the complete opposite for benzoyl peroxide.
To use benzoyl peroxide for acne, always start with a clean face. Opt for cleansers that combat acne as they stop bacteria from spreading and prevent aggravating existing ones.
Using a pea-sized amount, apply the solution to problem areas. Strengths vary from 2.5% to 10%, but I highly recommend starting with the lowest concentration first.
-just so you can see how your skin reacts.
Start by applying it once a day and move up to twice a day after a week. Just make sure you aren’t using another acne medication.
Also, always apply a good moisturizer as benzoyl peroxide can dry the skin out.
2. Retinoids
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. They work by removing dead skin and unclogging the pores to increase the effectiveness of other treatments.
While some call for a prescription, some retinoids are available OTC.
Some retinol creams go beyond acne prevention.
Others, meanwhile, even help with aging by diminishing lines and wrinkles.
However, they will increase your sun sensitivity so don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
I also suggest wearing retinoids only at night.
But, there’s another thing you should be aware of.
Using retinoids can be frustrating.
Acne will worsen for the first few weeks to a month. Patients only reported an improvement after 2 months.
So, this means you have to be consistent and be really patient. Your acne may not improve for several weeks, but it’ll all be worth it in the end.
3. Accutane
If you think your acne is severe, you’ll want to try this method.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is recommended as a last resort for acne, scars, nodules or cysts. It’s only available by prescription and may take up to 5 months before you start seeing results.
In fact, 85% of acne patients reported clearer skin after the said period.
This medication has a lot of side effects including dry lips, itching and rashes. So, it is important to talk to your dermatologist first and decide on this together.
Pregnancy tests are needed and you should avoid getting pregnant while taking medication. This is because the drug can possibly cause harm to your unborn child.
4. Birth Control Pills
Listen:
Pills aren’t only for women who aren’t ready to be mothers yet.
Birth control pills can treat mild to severe acne, too.
But, just like Isotretinoin, they should be taken when other medications have stopped working and should be discussed with your doctor.
Pills contain hormones that can stop zits from forming.
They should be taken for several months for your skin to clear up completely.
But ironically, birth control pills can also cause acne.
This is because mini pills (the pills known to us) are made up of progesterone. Progesterone acts like androgen which increases oil production and thus, causes acne.
To prevent this, avoid carbs and sweets, up your probiotics and take them with multivitamins. Opt for combination pills or those that contain progesterone and estrogen.
5. Spot Treat Using Tea Tree Oil
When it comes to acne, this natural remedy can’t be missed.
Tea tree oil is a great acne fighter because it helps unclog the pores to remove all those dirt and impurities. It also works the same way as benzoyl peroxide, without the harsh side effects.
It can be used in a number of ways.
You can apply a few drops to your acne-fighting products. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties will up the effectiveness of these products.
You can also use it to spot treat areas. However, tea tree oil is very potent so it will cause skin irritation if not diluted.
Always perform a patch test before application.
Using a cotton ball, apply the oil to your forearm and wait for at least an hour.
If no irritation occurs, you can apply it to your face. If redness or itching occurs, mix 10 parts of water with 1 part of tea tree oil before applying the mixture to acne-prone areas.
6. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another natural remedy popular for acne.
Apple cider vinegar is nature’s natural toner. It has a long list of benefits not only for your skin but for your overall health.
One, it is loaded with enzymes that prevent constipation and contribute to a healthy gut. And as long as your gut is happy, clear skin will ultimately follow.
For the skin, it balances its natural pH levels. It also has antibacterial properties to combat those annoying bacteria that cause those zits.
ACV can be applied to your face or ingested. However, it is highly acidic so it should always be diluted to avoid damaging your teeth.
To make a toner, mix 10 parts of water and 1 part ACV. Apply the mixture all over the face or to acne-prone areas. You can leave it as is, or let it dry before washing it off.
Conclusion
Acne starts to develop during our teen years. This can lead to issues like a low self-esteem and may even cause a child to be shy.
Fortunately, there are ways to address the root cause of the problem and I suggest following these remedies. I’ve included natural and OTC remedies that work equally great to stop your trouble with acne.
How did you control your teenage acne? Let us know in the comment section below!
- Shares
