Sometimes skin gets skanky, right? Still, you can’t hide in the crib, and you’re not alone, so do what you can, then try not to sweat it. “All kids are grease pits between the ages of 9 and 14,” says Oak Brook dermatologist Marianne O’Donoghue.
You already know not to squeeze zits. But with the following info from skin experts, you can take matters into your own hands in a healthy way.
THE BASICS
Blocked pores contain bacteria that react with oils in your skin to cause acne. The idea behind any treatment (even basic washing) is to absorb excess oil and limit the food supply for bacteria. Medicated treatments go one step further by killing the bacteria.
CLEANSERS
Wash your face with oil-free soap twice a day. O’Donoghue recommends Dove, Camay, Basis, Neutrogena and Sea Breeze. Breaking out? Try soap, cleanser or wash formulated for acne. Some are antibacterial; others have salicylic acid, which speeds up cell renewal so dirt or oil in your pores sloughs off more quickly.
ASTRINGENTS AND TONERS
Wipe an antiseptic cleanser over your skin with a cotton ball to remove excess oil and dirt your cleanser leaves behind especially if you’re active. Use one right after working up a sweat, or even every hour when you’re playing a sport, O’Donoghue suggests, “because that treats bacteria on the spot.” She says not to bother with toners; they’re for older folks who don’t want dry skin.
TREATMENTS
So many remedies to try! According to Chicago dermatologist Andrew Scheman, products with salicylic acid are better for blackheads and whiteheads, and those with benzoyl peroxide (which kills bacteria and comes in three strengths, 2.5 percent, 5 percent or 10 percent) are better for pimples (start low and go up only if your skin stays oily).
Be cautious, O’Donoghue says. Don’t use both an acne soap and acne lotions or treatments; too much stuff can overdry skin.
CLOSE SHAVE
When you guys with acne get face lace, don’t shave with a straight-edge razor, Scheman says. It can nick pimples. Use an electric razor, then an astringent. If you have bad acne, get a medicated after-shave treatment from a dermatologist.
WEIRD REMEDIES
Ever hear that toothpaste zaps zits or Scotch tape pulls out blackheads? The first is kind of true, because toothpaste is a type of soap with pumice. But it will also plug pores, and another ingredient, fluoride, actually causes acne. But the second is way false; certain face masks are designed to unclog pores when peeled off. (Others, like mud masks, blot moisture.) But tape will just rip off the top dead layer, your skin’s protective barrier from the elements, says Joseph P. Bark, spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. We also asked about the new peel-off nose strips called Biore but dermatologists said the product was too new to judge yet.
SOME OF OUR EXPERTS’ SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Cleansers: Antibacterial soaps such as Avon Clearskin Cleansing Cake ($2) and Neutrogena Cleansing Bar for Acne-Prone Skin ($3). Or salicylic acid products such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($6.25) and Freeman SkinControl Facial Gel Cleanser ($3.50).
Astringents: In bottles, there’s Neutrogena Antiseptic Cleanser ($4.30), Avon Clearskin Astringent Cleansing Lotion ($4), Sea Breeze Astringent (Original, Sensitive and Oily versions, $4 each) and Breezers Astringent Facial Towelettes ($3.25 a box). For the mobility of pads, try Avon Clearskin Cleansing Pads ($4) and Neutrogena Medicated Cleansing Pads ($4.40).
Treatments: With benzoyl peroxide: Avon 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Vanishing Cream ($4), Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment ($6.25) or Acne Mask ($6.25). With salicylic acid: Neutrogena Clear Pore Treatment ($6.25), Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment ($8.50) or On-the-Spot Acne Treatment ($6.25); Avon Clearskin Overnight Acne Treatment ($4) or Acne Defense Stick ($4); and Freeman SkinControl Facial Gel Masque ($3.50).
Look for these at beauty-supply stores or discount stores. For Avon, call 1-800-367-2866.
