What kids should know about stopping pimples

The best thing to do is to try to stop pimples before they start. Here's what you should do:

• Wash your face twice a day with warm water, using a mild cleanser, which works like soap to clean your skin, but is gentler so it doesn't dry it out. Ask your mom or dad to help you pick one. Don't scrub hard and don't use a washcloth. That can make pimples worse. You also might have heard about special products called "scrubs." These can be too hard on your skin, so don't use them unless a doctor tells you to. If you wear makeup, be sure to wash it off before you go to bed.

• Wash your hair regularly. Greasy hair that hangs on your face can make your skin oily. You don't want more oil on your skin!

• Only use oil-free skin care products. Some packages will say the product is "oil-free." Others use big words like ”noncomedogenic” and ”nonacnegenic.” All those things are good. It means the product doesn't clog your pores.

• Keep hairspray and gel away from your face. Those things can plug up your pores, too.

   

Here's what you shouldn't do:

• Don't squeeze or pick at your pimples. You might want to get rid of your pimple, but popping it can make it worse. Also, you might get a scar where the pimple was. If you can't stand looking at the pimple, try to hide it. Oil-free makeup can help cover it up. Some pimple medicine even comes in skin color.

• Don't touch your face. Dirt and oil from your hands can get on your face. Also, touching pimples can make acne worse.

• Don't lie in the sun or use tanning beds. Neither makes pimples go away, and both can hurt your skin. If you take medicine for your pimples, the sun and tanning beds can make your skin red and dry. And be sure to use a sunscreen when you are out in the sun. Just be sure it's oil-free.