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Acne is an inevitable experience for most teenagers. It's a universal enemy of most young adults and ironically a result of growing from child to adult. While it's not entirely avoidable, there are ways to reduce one's acne.

Dermatologists worldwide have been battling acne for years - most of them are consulted after the acne has started. And what they contribute is great expertise, medications, tips on good hygiene, and emotional support that confirms that some acne is a normal part of life. None of this helps the self-esteem or confidence of the teenager who consistently deals with a face in the mirror they don't like. So consider some additional ways to limit the affect of acne in your life. Primarily, take care of your body. What type of food are you eating? How much sleep do you get? Do you wash with a hypoallergenic soap? These considerations are important ones. Food, for example, plays a big part in acne. Consult your dermatologist or online guide for more tips but be aware that fruits and vegetables are great for more than just healthy bones and teeth - they also lead to healthy skin. Similarly, watch your intake of sugar and manufactured products with heavy oil or fat.

Another preventative measure is to review and sample Proactiv, Clearasil, and other acne prevention or removal products and see if any of them work for you. Depending on your skin type, the type of acne you have, or how your body responds to different forms of medication, these products may have a selective benefit for you.

Finally, take care of your insides. No matter what effect acne has on your outside appearance during your teen years, only you can determine how you feel about your appearance and your looks. I'm not trying to minimize the emotional affect of acne, especially if some of the scars are permanent, but appearance alone is still only one factor that contributes to one's confidence and ultimately their enjoyment of and success in life. If you can regularly look in the mirror and say "I like myself" or "I like who I'm becoming", acne will never determine your sense of self. Do your best to prevent or reduce acne's affect on your physical appearance, and don't forget to take care of your inner self as well.