6 replies to this topic

[gsolar9]

Hey everyone, these past 2 months I haven't been able to go a week without having some kind of pimple right on or next to my lips, and my chin is covered pretty much constantly. I don't use a fluoride toothpaste and have already tried changing toothpastes, and I take special care to never touch my chin or mouth, so I figure it must be hormonal. Which makes sense because i'm 14. Still, i'm about ready to rip my hair out, is there anything I can do to get rid of this?

[AceEpidermis]

I'm of two minds on this. On the one hand you're young, so there's a chance your acne will clear up naturally given time, once your hormones balance out. On the other hand I was about your age when I developed acne, and mine never dissipated.

It's a tough time for acne, the teenage years, because you're forced to do a lot of socializing on a daily basis. That said, you do have the benefit of knowing a lot of people are going through the exact same thing, evennif you're not aware of it, and are probably more accepting of you because of that fact.

My advice, for whatever that's worth, is to do the bare minimum in terms of a daily routine. Wash, but don't overwash. Use the appropriate cleansers and moisturizers, and try and improve your diet. The typical teenage diet is ludicrous. It's all McDonalds and soda/pop. I'm aware that last step is difficult, I know I couldn't do it back then, but it's worth a try. Try the smaller adjustments before you move on to the larger and more time consuming treatments.

Edited by AceEpidermis, 02 February 2012 - 09:57 AM.

[Avenger]

Can only echo what AceEpidermis said.

In terms of your daily skin care routine, keep it simple. Wash twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to bed, with a simple liquid cleanser with no oils, treatments or harsh chemicals. Avoid the ingredients Salicylic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. Get a cleanser specially for sensitive skin - these tend not to be as drying.

If acne is only on your chin, I would avoid the temptation to spot treat. One product will lead to another, and before you know it, you're cupboard is full of unnesscary products, and your skin won't benefit from it.

See how this works for you, and do some research in your spare time

[RPembroak]

The grease and oils you're eating is probably causing it. That is usually where they cause facial acne. Stop eating them. Start drinking lemon water instead of anything else. Give heavy foods a break, and eat digestive enzymes 3x a day w/ meals. Stay away from dairy and sugars too. And you're skin will be beautiful again in no time.

[gsolar9]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I should mention that i'm no stranger to acne; I've had it for 4 years now and have tried a vast armory of medications and treatments because I just hate being helpless. The only acne that still gives me trouble is the hormonal acne around my mouth and chin, which stays despite the fact that I have a balanced diet, stay in good shape, and overall don't do anything that could cause it. I guess i'm kind of helpless when it comes to my hormones.

By the way RPembroak, this is probably a really dumb question, but is lemon water just water with a squirt of lemon juice in it? I used to drink that but stopped not too long ago, and now that you've brought it up, I don't remember ever having much acne around my mouth when I was drinking it.

[RPembroak]

gsolar, the ideal way would be to have bit of real lemon squeezed into the water, say one half a lemon per two or three quarts of water, and don't drink it after it's been sat our for more than a day. Also, the lemon water might dry your skin out after a while, so just switch to regular water if your skin feels a little too dry.

[gingergirl22]

My son is 14 and has acne. He is on week 5 of Rainbow Light Active Teen vitamins and they are helping. These vitamins have a selection of herbs known to help heal acne. Also, when he doesn't get outside in the sun he supplements with Vitamin D3. He is washing gently every other day or so with Burt's Bees Salicylic cleanser, oherwise just a water rinse in the shower. So far, there is a steady improvement. And lots of water of course. His diet isn't perfect but it isn't terrible. Also, once a week at night I apply a baking soda and water to his stubborn areas. We only leave it on for 5 minutes. There is a noticable difference the next day. Good luck!