How to Battle Acne

How embarrassing. Why is this happening now? What did I do to deserve this? How do I make it go away!?

Whenever the dreadful pimple, zit, pustule, blackhead, spot, whitehead, blemish—whatever you want to call it—appears, it always feels like it is going to ruin your life.

Despite this, teens are kind of stuck with acne. The American Academy of Dermatology reported that about 85 percent of people between ages 12 and 24 experience at least mild acne. In other words, it will likely be annoying you well into adulthood.

But why would God subject teenagers to acne? Your adolescent years are already rather awkward. Why do you have to turn into a Zit-zilla on top of it?

As uncomfortable as it may be, there are many lessons you can learn from your time as part of the Pimple Posse. For example, you can learn patience and perseverance, problem-solving skills and the importance of God’s health laws. Acne can also push you to develop and rely on inner qualities over your outer appearance.

But that does not mean you have to sit back and let acne happen. There are many things you can do to fight back, and those solutions are also packed with spiritual lessons.

Know Your Enemy

Understanding acne is key to effectively fighting it. Skin blemishes are primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. These glands are located near hair follicles and are responsible for keeping your skin moisturized. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Teens produce more sebum because of hormonal changes during puberty. For girls, menstruation can also trigger it. Stress, poor diet and lack of proper skin care can also worsen outbreaks.

While acne is the most noticeable on your face and neck, it can also appear elsewhere such as your chest, shoulders and back.

Regrettably, zits come in all shapes and sizes, including…

Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores that form small, hard, whitish bumps on the skin.

Blackheads: Open clogged pores that appear as tiny dark spots on the skin’s surface.

Papules: Small, raised, red bumps that can be tender to the touch.

Pustules: Inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be red and swollen.

Nodules: Large, painful lumps that form deep under the skin.

Even the Odds

Often, we can unknowingly make things worse because of certain things we are doing. To best fight back against outbreaks, you need to find anything in your life that may be worsening the condition of your skin.

Irritation from everyday items, such as a shirt collar, hat, helmet and backpack straps, rubbing against your skin can contribute to acne. Be mindful of how these items might affect your skin and try to reduce direct pressure when possible.

Certain hair products, sunscreens and other oil-based skin products can also clog pores. What can you do instead? Look for non-comedogenic products. These are formulated to not clog pores. Look for a list of comedogenic and non-comedogenic ingredients online. This can help you make better choices with what you apply to your body.

Medications can also trigger acne. If you suspect something you are taking is increasing breakouts, you may want to talk to your parents about discussing alternative treatments with your doctor.

High humidity can worsen zits by increasing oil production on the skin. Living in or visiting humid environments might make your skin oilier and more prone to breakouts.

Genetics can also play a significant role. If your parents or siblings have acne, you might be more likely to develop it. This genetic predisposition means that your skin may naturally produce more oil or have a higher tendency to clog pores.

Diet can also contribute to acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, high-glycemic foods—such as white bread, baked goods, and chips and dairy products can increase sebum production and lead to more breakouts. Refined sugars, such as sugary snacks and soda, can also cause problems.

Dehydration can also cause the body to produce excess oil and accumulate dead skin cells. Not getting enough sleep prevents the body from adequately restoring and regenerating skin cells, leading to worse acne.

Before going on the offensive against acne, it is crucial to make sure you are not inadvertently making it worse. Look at your life. Are you wearing anything that may be rubbing against your skin and causing breakouts? Are you managing your stress and getting enough sleep? How much water are you drinking? What hair products are you using? What creams or lotions are you putting on your skin?

Removing any potential problems goes a long way to clearer skin. But your battle plan should not stop there.

How to Fight

Most important: Do not pop.

As tempting or satisfying as it may be, resist the temptation to squeeze or scratch your pimples. Doing so can lead to inflammation, infection and scarring. It is best to let them heal naturally or, in case of severe acne, seek professional treatment.

Properly washing your face is essential and also incredibly easy. Using only your fingers, apply lukewarm water to your face along with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. A bar of soap is fine for this step. Resist the temptation to scrub, as this can cause further irritation. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. If your skin tends to be dry, you can then apply non-comedogenic lotion.

Limit your face washing to no more than two times per day and after sweating. Over washing can have the opposite effect and cause your face to produce even more oils!

Avoid touching your face as much as possible during the day. Your hands, phone and pillowcase can transfer bacteria to your skin, increasing the risk of clogged pores and infections. Look for all the times you are unknowingly touching your face and work to break that habit.

Doing all of this may be enough to set you on a path to clearer skin. However, you may find you need to bring out some “bigger guns” in your fight with acne. These include making more substantial changes to your lifestyle.

You can try being even more careful with your diet. Again, stick with low-glycemic foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which support overall skin health. Avoid highly processed and sugary foods.

Incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine can also benefit your skin. These can include regular exercise and calming hobbies.

In addition to these habits, certain products can help treat acne effectively. Natural remedies such as tea tree oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can reduce acne lesions. Green tea can help fight inflammation and the bacteria that may cause pimples. Aloe vera has soothing and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne. Do your own research to see if these remedies will work for you.

Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and has a drying effect to reduce excess oil, are another option. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while retinoids promote cell turnover, preventing clogged pores.

While mild acne can often be managed with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes, persistent or severe acne should be evaluated by a dermatologist. They can offer professional advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs to help you achieve the best possible results for your skin.

Joy and Adversity

As you battle each zit, it can feel never-ending—but know that teenage acne does not last forever. The end of the war is coming in a few short years.

Yet there are going to be ups and downs along the way. Do not be surprised by this as it is part of how God ordered life.

Read Ecclesiastes 7:14: “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also has set the one over against the other.”

God has placed prosperity and adversity next to each other in our lives. Times of joy are followed by times of hardship. This process goes back and forth over the years.

Regarding acne, you will likely have some good times when your skin is clear—followed by times when it is “Zit City, population: you.”

In the tough times, do what Ecclesiastes 7:14 says and consider. Think about what lessons you are learning. Ask God to show you what lessons you still need to learn.

Really internalize the fact that you will have periods of hardship throughout your whole life. You will likely have some zits in your 20s and even in your 30s. When those mini-adversities happen, however, you will know what to do.

What Really Matters

Despite your best efforts—regularly washing your face, eating right, exercising and using anti-acne products—you are probably still going to have breakouts. In addition, some of you may still have significant acne because of your genetics or other circumstances out of your control.

What should you do then? Bring your frustrations and concerns before God. Notice I Peter 5:7: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (New Living Translation).

While God promises to remove your acne anxiety, He may not fully clear up your skin problems.

The apostle Paul was in a similar situation. He struggled with a chronic health condition that affected his appearance (II Cor. 10:10). His health ailment was so bothersome that he asked God three times to heal him, yet God did not (12:7-10).

Paul ultimately saw what God was doing with his health issue and that it was helping him remain humble.

During your teenage years, you may battle zits and pimples, but do not forget what really matters: God looks at who you are on the inside. In I Samuel 16:7, it says that “the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Human beings naturally look at the beautiful people of the world who usually have flawless skin. Yet God looks inside at our character. Learning this lesson while you are young will serve you well throughout your entire life.

While you follow your skincare regimen, keep in mind that teenage acne will be just one small part of your life. God’s perspective is eternal, and He cares deeply about your character growth and well-being. Let your teenage years teach you about perseverance, faith and inner strength—all of which come from God.

You have all the information needed to tackle acne. Now it is time to fight.