Unfortunately, back to school typically means more acne. However, we have the top back to school acne tips from a dermatologist! With school back in session, it’s important to remind teens of good skin care practices. Additionally, it’s important to begin treating acne before it becomes a major concern.
Teenage Acne
Since acne is primarily caused by hormone levels, it often begins at puberty and lasts into the early 20s. There are three common causes for acne flareups.
First is infection. P. acnes bacteria on the skin can get trapped in pores, causing an infection. This contributes to painful, infected acne breakouts.
Next is oily skin and clogged pores. If you are prone to oily skin, your pores are more likely to get clogged and trigger a breakout.
Finally, inflammation. Many skin conditions are caused by inflammation. Excessive inflammation can result in painful swelling and increased acne.
To help combat acne and prevent those painful flare ups, we have compiled a list of our top five Back to School acne fighting tips.
Routine Skin Care
Make time each day for a consistent skin care routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated, involve tons of products, or take hours to complete. Work with your dermatologist to find a simple routine that works for your skin.
Then, stick to it. Consistency is key here. No matter how stressed you are or how much homework you have, you should at least wash your face twice a day. Your dermatologist can help you find a gentle cleanser that works for your skin.
Visit the Dermatologist
Back to school is a busy time but fitting in a trip to the dermatologist can be hugely beneficial. Set up an appointment to discuss your breakouts and any questions you have about your acne or skincare routine. This is a fantastic opportunity to get dermatologist recommended skincare products or learn about new options that may work better for your skin.
Eat Healthy 
Plan for healthy eating. Food is a big trigger for acne flareups. But contrary to popular belief, its not the grease in your pizza and fries that causes your breakouts. Its because they are high glycemic foods. These carbs cause blood sugar to spike which increases acne flareups.
Plan ahead to eat meals rich in protein and fiber with healthy fats and simple carbs. This won’t spike blood sugar and therefore, helps reduce your acne breakouts. We understand it can be hard to maintain a healthy diet with a busy schedule. However, many people find that meal prepping is an immense help.
Rest
We know, you hear it all the time. But getting enough sleep at night really is important. Your mind and body need time to rest and rejuvenate. During sleep, our bodies heal, cell growth accelerates, and our bodies get the rest they need to maintain health.
Lack of sleep causes the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone. This is a major contributor to inflammation in the skin, which causes acne breakouts to increase.
Stress Management
Like lack of sleep, unmanaged stress can increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Now, we understand that there are many things to be worried about at school. Stress will happen. But, if you can avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety, you can reduce your risk of breakouts. Try to reduce stress by planning ahead and fitting in plenty of downtime into your schedule.
More Back to School Acne Tips from a Dermatologist
If you are taking precautions and still struggling with back to school acne, it’s time to visit your dermatologist. Its possible that you need a prescription treatment to fight your acne. To learn more, please contact Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center today.