Zap your Zits in a Zip

Acne, pimple or Zits as commonly called by teens is a misfortune that we all had to bear at one point in our lives. If you are blessed with good skin and genetics, it can be as minimal as an occasional throbbing red mound that emerges on top of your nose or at the center of your forehead. At its worst, you can be freckled by red bumpy spots all over your face.  Here are a few simple facts about acne.

• Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil, clogging of pores and bacteria.  Teen acne is common because active hormones are a primary cause of the excess oil.
• It begins at puberty and for the unfortunate ones may continue to adulthood.
• Junk food, chocolates and oily food does not cause acne.
• Acne breakout can be minimized or prevented with proper hygiene and nutrition.
• Acne treatments are readily available.

For the teens out there who are plagued by zits, which has an uncanny way of appearing on the eve of first date, high school dance, and prom night, modern technology can get rid of your zit in no time. These nuisances have no match to your basic concealer make-up, over the counter ointments and professional skin care treatment. The most popular treatments being:

   

• Over the counter medication.  These are topical gels and ointments with one of the following agents:  benzoyl peroxide, Sulfur and Resorcinol, Salicylic Acid, or Alcohol and Acetone.
• Facial treatments which can be done in medi-spas or dermatology clinics.
• Acne chemical peel or light chemical peel using glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and carbolic acid (phenol).
• Photofacials. These are skin treatments that use light-based technology.
• Microdermabrasion or power peels that deeply exfoliates and help reduce non-inflammed blemishes. Corticosteroid injection. This treatment reduces the swelling of inflamed acne.

No more squeezing or poking! Nowadays, advanced acne treatments are readily available at nearby pharmacy, dermatology clinics, medi-spas and salons.  But don’t be too hasty in getting a treatment, it’s always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist before doing anything with your zit.