If you are a teen or have a teen in your home, the topic of acne has most likely come up a time or two. A bad case can make a huge impact on a teen’s life. Even a simple and quick pimple popping up can seem like doomsday to some teens. 

So, this blog will address what acne is, where it comes from, and what can be done about it. 

What Is Acne and Where Does It Come From?

So, if your teen is going to war with those pesky pimples, they are not alone. Or, maybe as an adult, you are battling it. The first step in beating it is to know what it is and where it comes from.

Acne, simply put, is like the unwanted guest that shows up on your face without an invitation…and usually when you least want it to. It's caused by clogged pores, often due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria lingering on your skin. And, clogged pores can occur even if you are cleansing your skin regularly. 

But even though this is perfectly normal, sometimes, it needs a little more help to stay clear and content, than basic cleansing. 

Simple Tips for a Clearer Tomorrow

Now, let's talk about how to best take on acne. First up, keep it simple. You don't need a million products…

• a gentle cleanser
• a good moisturizer
• a spot treatment 

Just the above will do wonders for your acne-prone skin. Look for products with words like "non-comedogenic", which is just another way of saying it won't clog your pores.

Next, don't be afraid to show your face some love. Cleanse regularly to wash away the day's grime, and moisturize to keep your skin happy. And yes, even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is your friend. It helps balance things out. 

And, make sure to keep your hands off the face when you aren’t applying the products. Yes, it's very tempting to keep touching blemishes, or even clear skin. But touching your face can transfer bacteria and make acne worse. Keep those hands busy with something else…maybe a fidget spinner or a good book.

Products We Can Get Behind

The following are a few systems for clear skin that most teens can benefit from using. Take a look to see if they would be a good match. 

Jan Marini Skin Care Management System - Normal/Combination Skin SPF 33 -

• JAN MARINI BIOGLYCOLIC FACE CLEANSER - A nourishing face wash that also gently exfoliates and removes impurities. It does this without stripping natural oils and penetrates the skin with good hydration nutrients, leaving the skin feeling soft.
• JAN MARINI C-ESTA FACE SERUM - This anti-aging serum, formulated with sodium hyaluronate and vitamin C provides a great moisture barrier to prevent the loss of the skin’s natural water, protects against damage from free radicals, and stimulates the production of collagen improving the elasticity of the skin.
• JAN MARINI BIOCLEAR FACE LOTION - This anti-inflammatory lotion helps reduce acne scarring, redness/rosacea, and large pores while alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids target dead skin cell buildup, and also remove whiteheads and blackheads.
• JAN MARINI TRANSFORMATION FACE CREAM - Jan Marini’s patented formula of peptides, proteins, and antioxidants effectively reduces signs of aging, repairs damaged skin, and stimulates the production of collagen for better elasticity.
• ANTIOXIDANT DAILY FACE PROTECTANT SPF 33 - This water-resistant sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays with oil-balancing properties for a matte finish.

Obagi CLENZIderm MD Starter Kit -

• Obagi CLENZIderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser - Obagi CLENZIderm MD Daily Care Foaming Cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid and Menthol to help clear the skin and prevent more acne breakouts in the future. The gentle foaming action exfoliates acne-causing bacteria to leave a clearer, brighter, and smoother skin complexion
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD Pore Therapy - Obagi CLENZIderm MD Pore Therapy helps to unclog pores and reduce their size to help prevent acne breakouts in the future. Pore Therapy contains 2% Salicylic Acid also to help eliminate acne-causing bacteria in the pores.
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD Therapeutic Lotion BPO 5% - Obagi CLENZIderm MD Therapeutic Lotion BPO 5% delivers Benzoyl Peroxide deep within the pores to help treat and prevent acne breakouts. The advanced formula will help clear, smooth, tone, and brighten the skin complexion.

And then there’s IS Clinical Active Serum, which is a single product to help with deep cleaning and exfoliation. The ingredients to take note of include the following:

• Bilberry - A natural AHA exfoliant with moisturizing properties
• Mushroom - A natural antimicrobial to help brighten and even out the overall complexion
• Sugarcane - AHA that gently exfoliates the skin 
• White Willow Bark - Botanical BHA that also exfoliates the skin and deeply cleans the pores

Confidence is Key to Embracing Your Skin Journey

Confidence is something that teens often struggle with, but then add acne to the mix and it can be a real problem for some kids. But, it's not about having perfect skin. Make it about rocking what you've got and embracing the journey while taking the steps to clearer skin. 

So, whether you're dealing with a lone pimple or a breakout mania, know that you're beautiful just the way you are. Confidence shines brighter than any blemish!

In Conclusion

Acne might be a party crasher, but it's not the end of the world. It's a journey, not a destination. Embrace the adventure, keep it simple with the proper skincare, and let confidence be your guide. You've got this!