How to Manage Acne During Puberty
Acne—commonly known as “youth pimples”—is primarily caused by excessive sebum production, which clogs pores with poor surface drainage, thereby triggering bacterial infection. So, how should one manage acne during puberty? Below are some practical recommendations.
How to Manage Acne During Puberty
1. Wash Face with Warm Water
Acne during puberty often indicates clogged facial pores. Washing your face several times daily with warm water helps maintain facial cleanliness and reduces accumulation of excess oil and environmental dust.
2. Maintain a Light Diet
Dietary habits significantly influence acne development during puberty. Avoid spicy foods, as they may induce internal “heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept associated with inflammation), exacerbating existing acne. Instead, adopt a light, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
3. Refrain from Squeezing Pimples
Many individuals cannot resist the urge to squeeze their facial pimples. However, this practice often ruptures lesions, leaving behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring—and may even promote secondary infection or recurrence. Therefore, consciously avoid touching or squeezing pimples.
4. Maintain a Positive Mindset
Stress is a major contributor to adolescent acne. Chronic psychological stress can lead to persistent low mood and subsequent endocrine imbalance, thereby triggering or worsening acne. To restore physiological balance and resolve acne, cultivate emotional resilience, actively manage stress, and foster an optimistic outlook—acne will often subside naturally as mental well-being improves.
5. Ensure Adequate Sleep
Staying up late impairs hepatic detoxification, leading to systemic toxin accumulation—which may manifest on the skin as acne. To improve this condition, prioritize sufficient, regular sleep and minimize overnight activity. Additionally, engage in regular physical exercise to enhance immune function and metabolic efficiency.
6. Pharmacological Management
Medication use requires caution. For mild-to-moderate acne, topical anti-inflammatory agents are typically recommended first. Systemic medications should only be used under professional medical supervision. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches—such as heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal formulas—are often preferred. Commonly prescribed TCM preparations include Longdan Xiegan Wan (Gentiana Decoction for Draining Liver-Fire) and Yiqing Capsules. Due to their relatively higher incidence of adverse effects, Western pharmaceuticals are generally not recommended as first-line therapy.
The above outlines evidence-based strategies for managing pubertal acne. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
