What kids should know about stopping pimples

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.

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.