By Julissa Sanchez, Viry Gamez and Hanlya Chouhdry, Morton East High School, Cicero, Il

Acne is the major issue that teenagers experience on their skin. Acne can lead to other issues such as low-self-esteem, bacterial skin and self- consciousness.
Students complain about their zits and become self-conscious of their skin.

“It’s horrible! I get embarrassed especially when it’s on my nose. I hate to have zits in front of my girlfriend. Last time, I was supposed to have a date but I didn’t show up because of my pimples,” senior Jesus Sanchez said.

There are different types of acne, depending how mild or severe your acne can be: blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and papules. Blackheads are a black color because of the skin’s own pigment, melanin reacting with oxygen in the air not by dirt. Pustules are inflamed red bumps that appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Papules are inflamed, red, and tender with no head. You should never squeeze a pupule. It leads to scarring.

Acne is triggered with several ways but can be prevented.

Girls and guys use hair products to make their hair stand out throughout the day, but they don’t consider what the hair product might or hair bangs on your face may cause acne.

When you style your hair keep the product off your skin. If you breakout on your forehead keep hair bangs away from your forehead.

Girls tend to forget to remove their makeup before they sleep or use cosmetics that have contain oil or parabens.

“I use cover up or concealer. “I don’t use any type brand as long as it covers well”, sophomore Samantha Azrate said.

Girls should consider washing their face to remove makeup before applying more. Use cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, oil-free, all natural mineral or non-acne genic. Some great cosmetics that are acne prone free are Physician’s Formula, Cover girl, Dermablend or Bare Minerals.

Hormones and stress trigger acne. Girls make break out through their menstrual cycle.

High testosterone levels can increase your skin to break out. Boys are prone to acne during adolescence because of the overproduction of sebum. Boys are more likely to get acne on the chest and back. Boys who shave tend to be at higher risk of experiencing acne flares especially if they use low quality razors and avoid shaving cream.

Stress causes the skin to be inflamed which transform to blemishes. Make sure to have at least 8 hours of sleep for your skin to repair.

Touching your face too much can make your skin breakout because your hands have oil. Avoid touching your skin.

Sweat and humidity can develop blemishes.

Too much sun exposure can cause your skin to be oily or inflammation occurs. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more daily. Make sure to buy sun screen that is oil free and non- comedogenic.

“When I was in high school, I would pop my pimples in the bathroom but I used a special recipe for my skin. That’s why you don’t see any scars on my face,” A.P Jose Gamboa said.
Although some people pop their pimples, it is not recommended because it leads to permanent scars.

Genetics may have an influence on acne by your parent’s .your Parents may have had acne as they were younger and can also affect how bad acne scaring can be.

“Back in high school I use to break out a lot all over my forehead. My son now has bad acne just like me when I was a teen. My son has tried so many products but I think we may have to see a skin specialist,” History teacher, Mr. White said.

There are more ways to fight acne by our skin routine, eating habits and excising.
1. Drink water daily. It helps your skin get hydrated
2. Exercise daily. This helps lower your hormonal and stress levels.
3. Eat healthy. Eat those fruits and vegetables. Avoid oily and greasy foods.
4. Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser that is specifically used for acne prone skin.
(Don’t over wash your face)Recommended brands that you can find your local drug store are ‘Clean and Clear’, ‘Olay’, ‘Neutrogena’, ‘Cetaphil’ or ‘Aveeno’ depending on what skin type you have.
5. Moisturize your skin daily after washing your face that is oil free.
6. If skin worsens contact a local skin specialist or dermatologist. They will prescribe you with skin medicine or cream.
You should look for these following ingredients when picking the right product for your acne treatment.
No acne medication can show its miracle within a day. It’s important to have patience and use the prescribed medication as directed.