Young People Ask . . .
Can’t I Do Something About My Acne?
‘HEY, “crater face”!’ ‘Hey, “pizza face”!’ How utterly devastated, how ashamed, you feel! You want to creep away and hide. If only the ground would suddenly open and you could disappear!
Why such unkind, cutting words—words that bring titters from some standing nearby? Because you are suffering from the teenage scourge of acne.
Acne is a disorder of the skin that causes it to be spotted, even disfigured, by pimples, blackheads, and red swellings, or cysts. Often it is more than a passing discomfort that lasts a few months; it is a serious skin disorder. People of all ages can be afflicted with it, but teenagers suffer the most, some 80 percent developing acne in varying degrees, according to some experts. Acne sufferers thus have plenty of company.
Not surprisingly, when 2,000 teenagers were asked to say what they disliked most about themselves, problems with skin far outnumbered every other complaint. F. Philip Rice, in his book The Adolescent, tells of young Jim who began getting acne in his early teens. By the time he was 14, his face was so badly affected that pus at times ran down his cheeks. He changed from secure and outgoing to withdrawn and self-conscious.
Sandra, who had a bad case of acne while still in high school, later told of her ordeal in the magazine Co-Ed. She said: “I had such bad acne, I was always hiding my face from other people. I was shy because I was embarrassed about the way I looked. . . . I looked so bad.”
Of course, we all like to look our best. But it is good to remember that there is much more to life than personal appearance. It may encourage you to know that physical attractiveness does not influence God in any way.—1 Samuel 16:7; Galatians 2:6.
What Causes Acne?
Why, though, does this scourge appear during your teenage years—at the very time you want to look your best? Because you are growing up. With the onset of puberty, skin glands increase their activity. The World Book Encyclopedia explains in simple terms what happens: Each gland empties into a hair follicle—that is, the little bag surrounding each hair. Normally the oil would drain out through a pore of the skin, but sometimes a pore gets clogged and the oil cannot get out quickly enough. The clogged pore now forms a blemish called a blackhead because the trapped oil oxidizes, dries, and turns black.
If the pore is so clogged that no air at all can get to it, then instead of a blackhead, a whitehead develops. A pimple develops when pus forms. Cysts are formed when germs breed in the backed-up oil. It is the cysts that leave permanent scars. Pimples do not scar unless they become infected because of squeezing or picking—so don’t squeeze or pick!
Interestingly, tension and emotional upsets can activate the skin glands. Some experience the blossoming of a large pimple just before an important event or before and during exams. Sound advice, though, on the futility of undue anxiety is found in the well-known Sermon on the Mount: “So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.” (Matthew 6:34) It’s not always easy to follow this advice, is it? But if you can follow it, you may find that it at least helps with the emotional aspect of the acne problem.
Is There a Cure?
Sad to say, there is no single treatment for acne. Dr. Sidney Hurwitz, an authority on the subject, points out that there are medications available that can, in most cases, gradually help bring acne under control. Of course, if the outbreak is severe and persistent, you should not wait to outgrow it, but you may wish to consider seeking the help of a dermatologist. He or she may prescribe one of the several acne preparations available or even antibiotics.
Patience seems to be a key to successful treatment. Remember, the trouble built up over quite a period of time, so it will not clear up overnight. Unfortunately, many do not stick to their treatment plan after they see initial improvement. For worthwhile results, it is important to apply carefully any instructions given by your physician.
Teenage Sandra, mentioned earlier, says in her article for Co-Ed: “I guess it took about a year for my skin to completely clear up, but I could see changes in my skin within six weeks.” Thus her doctor had warned: “Don’t expect results overnight. Have patience.”
Some have found that by taking care of their overall health, such as by getting plenty of exercise, being out in the fresh air as much as possible, and getting enough sleep, their complexion benefits and their acne condition improves. It will also help to cleanse your skin thoroughly to prevent perspiration mixed with dirt and pollution from clogging pores. Some doctors claim that diet plays a big part in controlling acne and recommend eating as little fat as possible.
Develop the Right Attitude
Dr. James Dobson recounts a conversation he had with a teenager, Darrell, who said: “When acne does flare up, it can be devastating—it really can knock you out. And even though you tell yourself, ‘I know where my priorities are and I know that beauty isn’t the most important thing,’ it still affects your self-confidence.”
However, if you cultivate an outgoing attitude rather than becoming introverted because of self-pity, you will find that it helps a lot. When you do something for someone else, you become aware that other people also have problems, often much greater than your own. This can help you to feel better about yourself and at least helps keep things in the right perspective. Jesus’ teaching highlighted the effectiveness of doing things for others when he taught that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”—Acts 20:35.
Yes, there is something you can do about your acne. True, in some cases scars develop and remain long after the disease has gone. However, remember the importance of inner beauty: a pleasant personality, kindness, helpfulness, and qualities like these. Inner beauty—unlike physical beauty—never fades; rather, it increases as the years go by. Strive for this inner beauty, and you will find it easier to keep physical appearance and skin problems in their proper place.—1 Peter 3:4.
Perhaps, though, you are one of the 20 percent of teenagers who are not troubled with skin blemishes. If so, you may not fully comprehend the trauma and self-consciousness of those battling with such an embarrassing problem. Try hard not to tease, even in a good-natured way. Certainly, such cruel comments as “crater face” or “pizza face” would be uncalled for, no matter how humorous they may seem to some.
One day soon there will be no more scars and skin problems, for we are assured that everybody’s flesh will “become fresher than in youth.” (Job 33:25) Until that blemish-free time, try to keep a positive, happy spirit. And do what you can for your acne right now.
[Box on page 11]
Self-Treatment Tips for Acne Sufferers
◻ Estimate the severity of your case by counting the number of lesions: 10 or less, a mild case; 11 to 30, a moderate case; over 30, a severe acne problem
◻ Plan skin-care regimen to meet your special needs
◻ Discuss matter with your pharmacist
◻ Wash affected parts gently with hands or soft washcloth
◻ Avoid any beauty products that cause aggravation—oil-based makeup makes skin oilier
◻ Trouble spots need extra attention
◻ Stick to your skin-care plan every day, even if results are slow
[Picture on page 10]
“Oh, no! Not another pimple!”