Acne
Dealing with the stress of spots.
What is acne?
Acne is the medical word used to describe spots. Acne can be just the odd pimple or it can affect your whole face, neck, chest or back with red, white or yellow spots or blackheads. Spots are caused by the skin producing too much oil and the pores and hair follicles becoming blocked.
Why do I get spots?
During puberty and the teen years a lot of hormonal changes happen in our body. 8 out of 10 teenagers get spots and most of us get spots at some point in our lives.
The hormone testosterone (both boys and girls have it) causes glands in your skin to produce large amounts of oil (sebum). When too much oil is produced the skin can react with spots or blackheads.
However it’s not just puberty changes that trigger acne, it can also be caused by hormonal changes before or during your period, stress or genetics (acne can run in the family).
As teens we’re told that we get spots from eating too many sweets and junk food or because we don’t wash properly. This isn’t true. Eating a good diet may help with acne, but it is not always a cure. Lots of us have to deal with spots and it’s not just a teenage problem. Many adults get acne for the first time or a repeat break-out in their 20s or 30s.
Acne and you
Anybody who thinks that spots don’t affect your self-confidence has obviously never dealt with a face full of pimples. Listening to everybody else’s opinion on the best treatment for getting rid of them, giving in to the temptation of squeezing the nasty ones or waking up to the horror of a fresh eruption on your face is stressful to say the least. When comments like “pizza face” are sniggered behind you, it’s not something easy to forget.
However, there IS treatment available and others should take you seriously if you’re worried about spots.
Here’s some tips to remember when you’re stressing about spots:
- You aren’t alone in having spots so don’t let them ruin your confidence. Hold your head high and smile: people will focus on that instead of your skin.
- Don’t obsess about your spots. Get treatment, keep your skin clean and then try to forget about them.
- Think about what people admire you for (your sense of humour, loyalty, honesty or so on) and feel good about it.
- People might notice your spots, but if they get the chance to know you, they’ll forget all about them and like you for your personality.
- Be positive: if you’re feeling down don’t stress about your spots, think of good stuff instead; like that you’re fun to be with, you’ve got lovely hair or a cute smile.
- If anyone is nasty enough to tease you about your spots, try to be strong and ignore them. It’s hurtful, but if they are doing something so stupid they aren’t worth getting upset over.
- If your doctor won't prescribe medication for acne, ask to see a different doctor.
- While you are waiting for results from your medication you can try medicated concealer sticks. Just dab a little on the spot itself: not all over your face. Remember lads can use concealer too!
- Read the section on shyness for more confidence tips.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
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