How long will my acne last?

Question

my dad had acne and he said he was about 16 when it stopped. (i'm 15) but i also started earlier than he did and still have it. when do you think my acne will go away? how long does it last on average for girls?

Answer 1

That is a really difficult question to answer, because there are so many factors involved in acne.  There is some research that suggests the hormones found in dairy products and a western diet in general may be a factor, but there are many others.  Hormones, heredity, greasy cosmetics, stress, humid polluted climates, irritation to the skin, chafing, and squeezing pimples all can contribute to acne.  

People make all kinds of suggestions about the best thing to do to cure acne.  Some cures I’ve heard include putting oatmeal, honey, lemon juice, tea tree oil, cucumber, vinegar, milk of magnesia or toothpaste on your face.  Practically every cosmetics company and company that makes personal care products makes something that is a “sure cure” for acne.  If we think about this, and use some common sense, we have to come to the conclusion that there is no quick or easy cure for acne, because if there was it would be well known and doctors would be telling everyone about it.  

Numerous companies make a lot of money persuading people to buy products that at worst will make the acne worse, and at best may help some people a little.  Often fewer products are better.  People often make their acne much worse by using too many products.  There really is no quick fix for acne.  Don’t spend a lot of money on products just because their ads say that they will cure acne.  Your doctor is the best person to ask for help, and he or she may recommend some prescription medication or non-prescription treatment that may be suitable for you..  

There are some very simple and basic things you can do that cost nothing.  Keep your face or any other area affected by acne very clean.  Any mild antibacterial soap will help with that.  Rinse the area well to remove all soap residue.   Drink plenty of water – it really does help to clear up acne.  Eat a nutritious diet and get enough sleep.  A healthy life style will make a difference.  Try to reduce the stress in your life – stress contributes to acne, so also probably the more you worry about the acne and focus on it, the worse it will be.  

Probably the most useful and effective things you can do are to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer.  

Here are a few informative links with additional ideas about preventing and treating acne.

http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article....

http://www.acne.com/cause_effects/causes...

http://www.acnerecovery.com/acne-informa...

Answer 2

unfortunately there is no exact formula.  i had acne from about 11-23!!  i tried everything under the sun, every over the counter and mail order product.  i even tried several lazer treatments.   the best thing i ever did was take acutane.   its a VERY potent drug but was the only thing that took away my acne.  i know that having acne can really hinder you self image more than being over weight or handicapped because it is something you can ever get used to.  i'd talk to the dr about  acutane.  there are some mild side affects and there are some dangerous ones.  i'd definately speak with your parents and dr about it. you will also be required to join a national program for the duration of treatment as this drug can cause deformities in a fetus.  as i said there are some other issues you'll want to discuss with your dr.  but it did help me a lot!  hang in there, its not the worst issue in the world.  

Answer 3

if you're a girl, then you may have acne even in your adulthood. it is very common for women to have outbreaks of acne at certain times in their menstrual cycle (usually happens a couple days before your period). you'll get pimples only during those few days, and your skin will be fairly clear for the rest of the month. i am like this too.

your dad stopped having acne around 16 because he is a man, so his hormones don't continue to fluctuate after puberty. it's different for women.

Answer 4

its not all inheritance from your parents. just because your dad stopped having it at 16 doesnt mean itll stop for you at 16. it all depends on the oil of your skin and how well you keep your skin clean and fresh. also you and your dads hormones are way different. you cant really tell when it will go away. people always have break outs in their life at one point or another but it all depends on how well you maintain your skin

Answer 5

No one knows when their acne stops there's no time limit. I suggest using face wash. I have it as well but with the help of face wash it's getting better :]. Good luck.

Answer 6

it will never go away!! mwahahahah!