According to the American Academy of Dermatology, by mid-teens, more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne or acne scarring. As the back-to-school season approaches, teens are even more likely to develop acne as stress levels increase. Crystal Wellman, a Master Aesthetician and owner of Crystal Clear Acne Clinic, shares 5 tips to reduce acne flare-ups this school year.
“Most teenagers’ acne clears up in the summer months as their stress levels decrease and they spend more time outdoors,” affirms Crystal Wellman, a Master Aesthetician and owner of the Crystal Clear Acne Clinic. “Unfortunately, when they head back to school, their acne comes back. If possible, it’s best to limit your stress—spread out your studying and don’t cram for tests—but it’s not always so easy.”
As the fall semester approaches, keep in mind these five tips to reduce acne:
Don’t Touch. Your hands touch everything and carry thousands of germs, spreading the germs on your face will lead to clogged pores and acne. Constantly touching a pimple will elongate the healing time and can spread the acne across your face.
Don’t Pop your Pimples. Bacteria is contained in that pesky acne spot and popping it can spread the bacteria to other pores, causing more acne. It’s best to be patient or leave popping pimples to a professional.
Sweat. As sports seasons and gym classes start up, you’re producing more sweat. Sweat irritates the pore leading to an increased rate of acne, so be sure to take a shower or at the very least, wipe off your face immediately after exercising.
Wash, But Don’t Over-wash. Washing your face twice daily is highly recommended, especially for teenagers. A common mistake, however, is to over-wash your face with harsh chemicals and scrubs, leading to irritated skin and even more acne. Use a gentle exfoliation and toner for optimal skin care.
Eat Healthy. It’s not an easy feat for a teenager or college student, but eating certain foods can help you avoid clogged pores. Avoid bread and refined grains, and milk products to keep your skin healthy. Staying hydrated is paramount. Your skin will heal faster if it is properly hydrated.
“Teenagers are most susceptible to acne because of their hormone levels and the stress in their lives,” affirms Wellman. “If your teen is suffering from acne, the best step is to visit an acne specialist to determine what treatment is the best fit.”
Crystal Clear Acne Clinic is a new full-service skin care clinic located at located at 1210 Princess Anne St. Suite A in Fredericksburg, Va. The clinic offers skin care treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including acne, acne rosacea, and aging. The clinic is owned by serial entrepreneur Crystal Wellman, who is a Master Aesthetician and also owns Ladyburg, a handcrafted bath and body store. She is also a certified acne specialist, and is also certified in the areas of oncology, dermaplane, and microdermabrasion. For more information on the Crystal Clear Acne Clinic visit their website at www.crystalclearacneclinic.com.