Myths and Facts About Teen Acne

Some people say their acne gets better when they cut back on dairy, or when they eat foods that don't spike their blood sugar level, but no particular foods are proven to cause acne. It's a good idea to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit sugary foods that don't offer your skin much nutrition. 

Hormones are one of the top causes of acne, especially in teens. Other things can make you break out, too. When oil and bacteria get trapped in the pores of your skin you can get acne. Wash your face, but be gentle -- don't scrub hard.

Stress doesn't cause acne, but it can make it worse. So can some cosmetics and moisturizers, hormonal changes caused by puberty or periods, and irritants such as pollution and humidity.

Oil from your scalp can make its way to your face and clog pores there. Greasy hair products can also clog pores and lead to acne. Shampooing oily hair every day can help stop breakouts by washing away oils and hair products. 

Changing pillow cases frequently is a good way to rid them of oily buildup from the scalp.

Because boys tend to have oilier skin than girls, they're more likely to have acne. Your skin normally makes oil. It comes out of pores (the tiny holes in your skin) and you wash it away. Too much oil and dead skin cells can clog your pores. That can let bacteria grow, and that can lead to pimples.

If other people in your family had acne, you're more likely to have it, too. You can still treat it, whether it runs in your family or not. 

If you're breaking out, you've got a lot of company. Most people get acne at some point, and it usually gets better after they reach their 30s. A dermatologist can help you at any age.

Put on the cleanser and wash using your fingertips. Using anything else, like a  washcloth or sponge, may irritate your skin and that can make you break out.

You shouldn't pop your pimples. Squeezing or picking at a pimple can irritate it, making it worse. Squeezing also can lead to infection and make a permanent scar.

These are some of the most common medicines for mild to moderate acne that you can buy without a prescription. They often work well if you give them 4-8 weeks to make a difference. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, drying up the oils on your skin, and making the old layer of skin peel off. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and dries your skin. 

Leave-on products that use benzoyl peroxide can dry or irritate dark skin. It can also prolong the dark spots that acne often causes in dark-skinned people. It also can affect skin color.

People of color, particularly those of African descent, may want to try retinoid treatment. Retinoids may cause less dryness and irritation. A dermatologist can help you weigh your options.

Noncomedogenic means the product won't clog pores. Products labeled noncomedogenic, oil-free, or nonacnegenic are OK for people with acne.

Almost all acne will get better with proper treatment. You can start with products that don't need a prescription, and if those don't work in a few months, consider going to see a dermatologist.