Acne & Scarring / Question
Published: May 2, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I was just wondering, I am a 15 year old male and I recently purchased hair wax, and my acne problem has been at a minimal. I wash every day with different cleansers and such, and lately I have been breaking out more. I heard supposedly that wax could block my pores. I also have football every day after school and when I sweat it drips down my face. Then again, I heard that only the natural oils and waxes could clog your pores, not cosmetics. So should I keep using the wax, or stop? Thanx.
Signed: Hair Wax And Acne
Dear Hair Wax And Acne,
The pores in your skin contain sebaceous glands also known as oil glands. These glands make sebum, which is oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time the glands make the right amount of sebum, and the pores are fine. But when a pore gets clogged up with too much sebum, dead skin cells and bacterial germs, then acne can occur. The only real cause of acne is overactive oil glands in the skin. Cosmetic products do not necessarily cause acne especially if the product is oil free. Your excessive sweating also probably does not cause the acne, but it can make it worse. It is possible that the hair wax is coming into contact with your skin and worsening your acne. FX recommends that you not use the wax.
Acne is a common occurrence during puberty. As your body begins to mature and develop, hormones stimulate the sebaceous gland to make more sebum, or oil and the glands become over active.
For helpful hints on how to treat acne see TeenHealthFX's response to, What Do I Do About Acne?. You may want to consider seeing a physician or dermatologist for treatment of your skin. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you can call 973.971.6475 for an appointment out our Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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