Chances are you’ll want to greet your friends at school this academic year with fresh, clear skin.

That’s why if you’re a teen who struggles with acne, we encourage you to get help from our in-house Aesthetician Cherrece Salmon-Shirley. Cherrece says teens can deal with acne due to a number of factors, including: hormones, genetics, bacteria, stress, medications and cosmetics. Acne not only affects one’s body image, it can also result in low self-esteem, social withdrawal and even depression.

Cherrece suggests five ways to beat those pesky pimples so you can put your best face forward in the 2020/ 2021 academic year:

1. Drink lots of water. In addition to keeping skin cells hydrated, water also flushes out contaminants. It’s recommended you drink at least eight glasses of water a day to see the benefits of this important hydration habit.
2. Exfoliate Regularly. To prevent pores from getting clogged and congested, Cherrece suggests a combination of laser, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. “I always recommend clients try a dual modality or triple modality approach, as it makes treatments much more effective,” she said.
3. Make Sure to Deep-Clean. To fight breakouts, look for a cleanser with salicylic acid. This will clear pores and get rid of dead skin cells and trapped dirt and oil. She recommends Dermologica’s Breakout Clearing Foam Wash, available at NMAC.
4. Look at your diet. Certain foods can raise your blood sugar more quickly than others, which causes the body to release a hormone called insulin. Having excess insulin in your blood can cause your oil glands to produce more oil, thus increasing your risks of acne.
5. Avoid Touching your Face. Touching your face can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. This can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Wash your hands frequently and remember to clean other surfaces like your phone and pillow cases frequently.

For more information call 293-5476.