Pimples during puberty: what really helps

Most young people struggle with impure skin during puberty . But while some only get a pimple from time to time, others suffer severely and permanently from painful pustules. How badly pimples and blackheads spread usually has nothing to do with poor hygiene.

Changes in the hormonal balance during puberty ensure that the skin produces more sebum and horny cells. If a pore is clogged with excess sebum and horny cells, a blackhead forms first. Bacteria help the skin to shed the excess sebum and form a small plug of pus – a typical pimple develops. The surrounding skin tissue can also become inflamed, the skin forms painful, reddish pustules and nodules. This inflammation takes days to weeks to subside and can leave scars if you express it incorrectly.

The extent to which hormones and the appearance of the skin change depends heavily on genetic predisposition. But every complexion can be improved with a coordinated and consistent treatment. Take your child’s skin problem seriously and find out together what helps against the unloved pimples and blackheads.

Acute pimples and what helps

• Anti- inflammatory: Natural remedies such as aloe vera and tea tree oil contain anti-inflammatory substances and are very effective in fighting pimples. You can simply dab it onto the inflamed area and let it soak.
• Vitamins: In the case of inflamed pimples, taking vitamin B5 or zinc, which support healing, also helps. Instead of vitamin preparations, you can also use a zinc ointment externally. It soothes inflamed skin and promotes the healing process. You can get both in the pharmacy or in a well-stocked drugstore.
• Squeeze only with a professional: There is a great temptation to simply squeeze out the annoying pimple on your face. But that can make things worse. Bacteria spread through incorrect pressing and squeezing in the surrounding skin tissue and cause further inflammation there. Squeezing can also leave unsightly scars. Many beauty salons offer professional cleaning. Find out about qualified professionals in your area. Perhaps the dermatologist also knows a good address.
• Proper makeup: Many girls try to hide their pimples under makeup. This can encourage new pimples and blackheads. Since a strict ban on make-up unfortunately rarely works, you and your daughter can look for products that are specially tailored to impure skin.

Avoid new pimples

• Cleanse and care: The skin should be cleaned in the morning and in the evening. Exfoliating once a week will help remove dead skin cells. It is also important to apply cream every day with a cream that is not too greasy and is tailored to your skin type. If the skin is not creamed, it produces more sebum to compensate for the dry areas of the skin, making it appear greasy.
• The right tools: Many products still contain alcohol, which, however, only dries out the skin. A mild washing gel (pH value 6.5) and a water-based cream are suitable for daily care, as they reduce excess sebum and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Towels should also be replaced regularly, as bacteria can easily spread here.
• Bad influences: Cigarettes and alcohol worsen the complexion and promote skin impurities. Stress, certain foods, for example those with a high sugar content and flavor enhancers, or prolonged exposure to the sun can also lead to pimples suddenly forming. If pimples only appear at certain stages or get worse, it helps to keep a close eye on personal habits.
• Healthy nutrition: A healthy and varied diet provides the body with many important vitamins and strengthens the immune system. This also benefits the skin and helps in the fight against pimples and blackheads. It is just as important to drink enough – preferably juice and water.
• Birth control pills: Some birth control pills have the positive side effect that they significantly improve the complexion. The reason for this is that the hormones, which are essentially responsible for the excess sebum, are balanced out by the hormonal effect of the pill. However, this effect does not apply to all girls.

Pimples are not a permanent problem

Pimples are annoying companions during puberty, but usually disappear in adulthood. If your children are suffering from their impure skin, that’s little consolation. So show understanding for their concerns and help them get pimples under control. Permanently inflamed and painful pimples indicate a form of puberty acne that should always be examined and treated by a specialist. But even in comparatively mild cases, the dermatologist can help you to find the right products and measures against pimples.