Hitting puberty and dealing with all those hormonal changes is enough to throw a teenager’s life off balance, and to add that, teenage pimples make an appearance, causing bumps on their faces and bodies! Though it is a common problem, we know that pimples can often make you conscious and affect your self-esteem. In your quest to get rid of these pimples, however, do not go and pop them! That’s only going to worsen the situation. However, that doesn’t mean applying different lotions and visiting the dermatologist are your only options. We are here to help you out. In this article, we will tell you how to get rid of teenage pimples naturally and what hacks you can use to prevent them. We’ll also give you a glimpse into why you suffer from a lot of breakouts during this age.
- What Causes Teenage Pimples?
- How Long Do Teenage Pimples Last?
- Increase Consumption of Foods Rich In Vitamin A and Vitamin E
- Use Tea Tree Oil
- Apply Green Tea
- Use a Honey and Cinnamon Face Pack
- Exercise Regularly
- Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Easy Tips You Can Follow To Get Rid of Teenage Pimples
What Causes Teenage Pimples?
During the teenage years, an increase in hormone levels leads to your sebaceous glands producing more sebum (oil). This excessively produced oil bundles up with dirt and dead skin cells, blocking the skin’s pores and thus causing pimples.
Sometimes, these pimples can also cause inflammation and sometimes get infected. Hence, we understand how it may become annoying to deal with after some time.
However, always remember that if you let your pimples be, they’ll disappear on their own. But if you keep touching them and trying to pop them, they’ll definitely leave a scar or two behind. So, as tempting as it might be, don’t touch or pop your pimples.
How Long Do Teenage Pimples Last?
Usually, teenage pimples start at the age of 10 or 11 and last for five to ten years. These pimples go away by the time you’re in your early 20s. However, this is a statistical average, and for some, these pimples last way into their mid and late 20s. Treating them properly helps in getting rid of teenage pimples.
Increase Consumption of Foods Rich In Vitamin A and Vitamin E
Deficiency of vitamins A and E can also cause pimples at times, so improve your intake of those. While supplements of vitamins A and E effectively treat pimples, they are not recommended for teenagers. The safest way to increase the intake of these vitamins is by consuming fruits and vegetables rich in them. Yes, we know, as teenagers, you’d be more tempted by junk food. Still, if you really want to minimise your pimple woes, then you need to consume these fruits and vegetables regularly.
Foods high in vitamin A:
- Yoghurt
- Eggs
- Oily fish
- Cod liver oil
- Cheese
- Carrot
- Sweet potato
- Papaya
- Watermelon
Foods high in vitamin E:
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Peanut butter
- Red bell peppers
Use Tea Tree Oil
A popular ingredient in skin care products, tea tree oil is an excellent natural cure for skin ailments. It contains antimicrobial properties that cleanse the pores and prevent the growth of bacteria in them. Tea tree oil also regulates sebum production on the skin, preventing clogged pores and pimples. Thus, tea tree oil is a proven solution to get rid of teenage pimples naturally.
To use tea tree oil for pimples, add 4-5 drops of it in coconut or jojoba oil and dab it over the affected areas. You can even add 4-5 drops to a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and apply the mixture to your face. Another way to use this ingredient is to add a few drops of it to honey and leave it on your face for an hour or two. No matter what method you opt for, always remember to use just a few drops of tea tree oil. Never use tea tree oil directly on your face. Always use it with a carrier oil, honey or aloe vera gel.
Please note: Before using tea tree oil on your face, dab a drop of it on your skin. If it doesn’t cause any irritation or redness on your skin, only then use this ingredient.
Apply Green Tea
You might know that green tea is an excellent detox drink for the body, but it also works well to get rid of pimples naturally. Full of antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help treat mild acne. Additionally, the polyphenols present in green tea prevent excessive oil secretion in the skin.
To use green tea, you can steep it in hot water, let it cool down, strain and then dab it on your face. You can also try making face packs using green tea. Remove tea leaves from the tea bags, moisten them with warm water and mix them with aloe vera gel. This face mask also soothes your skin along with treating pimples. You can also make a paste using boiled and strained tea leaves by mixing it with honey and baking soda. This will cleanse your pores of all the dirt and impurities.
Use a Honey and Cinnamon Face Pack
Honey, a natural humectant, contains antimicrobial properties, and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which work together as an effective home remedy to get rid of teenage pimples naturally. Use this face pack two times a week for best results.
Mix a tablespoon of cinnamon powder with 2-3 teaspoons of honey to prepare the face mask. Apply this paste on the face and wash it off in 10 minutes.
Exercise Regularly
Yes, we know that as a teenager, you’re very agile and flexible and don’t feel the need to work out regularly. However, doing so will not only keep you fit but will also help to get rid of pimples naturally. When you exercise, you sweat, which leads to unblocking of the pores on your skin. Unclogging of pores can get rid of excessive oil, thus preventing pimples. Make sure that after every workout, you wash your face straight away.
Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, so they can help you get rid of pimples naturally by targeting the inflammation caused by acne. They can also regulate the hormones that lead to the overproduction of sebum, thus preventing pimples from forming in the first place.
While omega-3 intake can be provided by supplements, having a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the severity of pimples. Here are some dietary sources of these fatty acids:
- Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines
- Flaxseeds
- Avocados
- Walnuts
- Soybeans and soybean oil
- Oysters
- Chia seeds
- Spinach
- Brussel sprouts
Easy Tips You Can Follow To Get Rid of Teenage Pimples
Apart from trying out the remedies mentioned above, there are some tips that you can follow to prevent acne. Here’s what you need to know:
- Don’t over-wash your face as it may irritate the skin. Washing it twice a day is good enough. Always use a gentle face wash.
- Drink at least 2-3 litres of water every day.
- Refrain from using makeup on your face regularly as it may block your pores.
- Don’t keep touching your face. This one’s hard, we know, but keep your hands off your face!
- Keep the skin hydrated by using a moisturiser daily with Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser SPF 15
- Use sunscreen every day as the harsh rays of the sun can worsen pimples.
- Stress may aggravate your existing acne, so try to manage it as best as you can.
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Written by Nisha Shah on 8th Feb 2022
Writer, avid reader and a lover of all things creative is the best way to describe Nisha Shah! Equipped with a degree in Journalism and a certification in Digital Marketing, she brings a distinct perspective to her writing. With experience in content covering a range of topics from health to travel and beauty to food, she manages to bring something interesting and yet easy-to-read for her readers. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a book and coffee, bingeing on movies and TV shows, experimenting with photography and lots more!