Acne affects 9 out of 10 teenagers so if you are going through a stage of acne and pimple breakouts then know you are not alone. There are many factors that bring on breakouts which can make it frustrating and confusing but the good thing is that teen skin is resilient so treatment options are often quickly effective 

Firstly it is important to understand that these newly arrived skin problems are often a response to hormonal changes in your body. Perhaps the most notable change within your skin is the increased production of oil or sebum (Oily and slightly waxy substance found on the skin). Excessive build-up of oil and sweat traps dirt and remnants of makeup within your skin cells. This results in clogged pores and acne breakouts. Cue important step below about washing our skin every night before bed!! 

Good skin care should begin when you are in your teens as your body is already beginning to change dramatically. It can help you keep your skin in its best condition and stop premature aging from causing problems down the road.  An effective skin care routine is easy to implement. You just need the right products that suit your skin type, the correct techniques and the motivation to care for your skin every single day.  

Here are a few tips to reduce breakouts and ensure clean, bright skin -  

• Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and don’t scrub harshly; instead use gentle circular motions for around 30 seconds -60 seconds. Any longer could do more harm than good. 

• Avoid using soap bars or body wash as it can trigger acne due to its drying properties. Soap does not contain moisturising ingredients and will strip your skin which is why a good cleanser is so important! 

• Moisturise your skin twice a day after cleansing. Again, doing research and learning the best products for your skin type will ensure you opt for a suitable moisturiser. These days most skincare companies and stores do tester sizes so you can try before you buy. 

• Use a moisturiser with SPF included or be sure to finish with a SPF on its own to protect your skin from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen with zinc oxide (at least 7%) and an SPF of 30 or higher (depending on your skin pigmentation or colour)  

• Exfoliate once a week to avoid clogged pores from hormonal surges. Look for products that contain clay as it has natural antiseptic and astringent properties.  Clay has an abundance of beneficial minerals that are able to draw out and soak up acne-causing impurities. 

• Wash your hands before you touch your face or touch up your makeup. Every time you touch your face, you’re spreading oil, dirt, and bacteria that can turn into a breakout! Also, avoid picking at your pimples! This can spread infection, damage your skin tissue, and cause further inflammation. Go for gentle yet effective spot treatments to clear your pores of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is often cited as one of the best acne treatments for teens. You can consult a dermatologist before making any decision. 

• Wash your makeup off before bed. Leaving it on overnight will lead to further clogged pores and breakouts. Throughout the day your skin attracts dirt and pollution that will not go away without a little help from our cleanser friend. By washing your face thoroughly you are freeing your skin of the impurities that can create problems, allowing it time to heal and repair overnight.

• Follow a well-balanced diet enriched with fruits and vegetables. Eating a clean diet will ensure you are well on the inside and this will trickly over into your skin. It should also come as no surprise that the opposite is important to keep track of too. When you eat a certain type of "sometimes" or "junk" food, how does your skin react. Balance and enjoying yourself is very important but everything in moderation and also finding that that is for you. For example Ice-cream may cause a breakout but the dairy free option, sorbet is tolerated well (also delicious!!!)  

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