Acne & Scarring / Question
Published: March 7, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Im gettin mega depressed over my acne, its bad, i stayed off for months because of it got kicked out and now im at College, starting to take days off, because im that depressed over it, I want it away, my face is totally white right now, cos im using this cream thats sposed to be good, but aint doing me any good, man... im known as the all round happy guy, if only my friends (who dont have acne) knew i was sad inside. I hate life :/. I just like to hide away.
Signed: Mega Depressed Over My Acne
Dear Mega Depressed Over My Acne,
A lot of weight can be put on physical appearance in our society, so it was easy for many people dealing with acne to feel depressed and to have low self-esteem. Many people dealing with bad acne often withdraw and find they have difficulties socializing because they feel so self-conscious about their skin. So you are not alone in having difficulty coping with this problem.
TeenHealthFX thinks that it is very important for you to meet with a dermatologist to get some more aggressive treatment for you skin since it sounds like your current skincare regimen is not working for you. Your dermatologist can recommend a line of skin care products and may even prescribe you some kind of topical or oral medication to help reduce your acne.
You can ask your primary care physician for a referral to a dermatologist or call your insurance company for a list of in-network dermatologists. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
You are describing depression and a sense of feeling cut-off from your friends. If you think that other factors in addition to the acne might be contributing to these feelings, consider meeting with a mental health professional. A therapist can help you to understand what factors are contributing to your mood, and can work with you on developing a treatment plan that will help to improve your mood and help you to feel more connected to your friends. If you have any close friends whom you feel comfortable confiding in, FX also thinks that it would be good for you to talk to a friend about what you are going through. It sounds like you would like your friends to understand the sadness occurring for you on the inside – you night need to explain to them what is going on for you in order for them to get a better understanding of what you are going through and to be subsequently able to be there for you in a more helpful and supportive way.
If you live in northern
To learn more about acne, review below the myths and facts about acne that are currently featured on this month’s TeenHealthFX Hot Topic:
ACNE MYTHS:
1) Acne is caused by certain foods you eat. This is a myth. Food does not cause acne. Scientists have been unable to find a substantial connection between diet and acne.
2) Sun exposure can help clear up acne. This is a myth. Small amounts of sun exposure can initially improve acne, but continuous exposure to the sun will actually clog up pores even more, producing blackheads, white heads, and small pimples. So be sure to always use sunscreen – and find a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) product if you are prone to getting acne.
3) Since acne is not a serious health threat, there is really no reason to treat it. This is a myth. Acne can significantly affect the way people feel about themselves, which can cause low self-esteem and even depression.
4) The more you wash your face each day, the greater chance you have that your acne will clear up quickly. This is a myth. It is recommended that acne-prone skin be washed only 2 times per day to remove any excess oil and dead skin cells. Too much washing can irritate the skin and make matters worse. So wash twice a day, using a gentle cleanser that is oil-free and water-based.
5) Excessively drying out the skin is the best way to prevent acne outbreaks. This is a myth. You do not want your skin to be too dried out because skin can start to peel and dead skin can build up, causing pores to clog. Excessive oil can contribute to acne, but it is important that your skin has a certain amount of moisture. That said, an important part of your skin regimen is using a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic on a daily basis.
FACTS ABOUT ACNE:
1) It is not a good idea to pick or squeeze pimples and blemishes. This is a fact. Picking or squeezing can cause infection and scarring. Most acne will clear up on its own with having to resort to this. And if it doesn’t, then see your doctor or dermatologist rather than resorting to pimple popping.
2) Removing your make-up before going to bed and avoiding wearing any kinds of heavy make-up can help prevent acne from flaring up. This is a fact. Powder cosmetics are recommended over cream products because they are less irritating to the skin. And going to sleep with make-up on can clog your pores. In addition, be sure to throw out old make-up and watch any make-up brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water to help keep your skin clear.
3) Being aware of what touches your skin is important in preventing acne from flaring up. This is a fact. Keep your hair clean and off your face. Avoid resting your hands or objects such as telephone receivers on your face. And remember that tight-fitting clothes and hats can contribute to acne, especially if you wear these items during workouts or activities where you will be sweating.
4) It is important to shower as soon as possible after exercising or doing strenuous work to help keep acne in control. This is a fact. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria, which can then lead to acne flare-ups.
5) There is no cure for acne. This is a fact. There are various kinds of treatments that can help to prevent and control acne, but there is no cure. What this means is that if you are prone to acne, you will need to keep up a treatment regimen that will help to keep your skin clear even once your acne is visibly reduced. This may include using products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredients, or in some severe cases taking oral prescription medications.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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