How to help your spots

How to help your spots

Dealing with smaller breakouts 🧴

Skin & skincare

Quick summary 📝

1️⃣ General spot management: keeping the area clean, using the right treatments, and not touching it can all help

2️⃣ Makeup considerations: opt for non-oily makeup or sun cream when needed

3️⃣ Hydration is key: stay hydrated by drinking enough water

4️⃣ Effective treatment: use products with ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree

5️⃣ Hands off: avoid touching the area; wash hands if you have to

6️⃣ Embrace your skin: understand that spots are common and temporary

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Teenage skin goes through lots of hormonal changes which can lead to spots – this can be really frustrating, and lots of you Ask luna about ways to help them. That’s why luna’s here to clear things up ✨

So, what causes spots? Your skin has tiny openings that release oil and sweat from your skin glands (aka pores). When these pores get blocked, they fill with oil and bacteria and a spot develops.

💡 here are luna’s top tips to help clear spots:

Keep the spot clean: wash the area twice daily, if possible, but ‘listen’ to your skin – over-cleansing the area can also irritate and strip your skin of the natural oils which can be equally as damaging 🧴

Avoid covering the spot with makeup: if you have to, use less oily or oil-free concealer and sun cream

Don't use toothpaste: this contains fluoride, a chemical that’s great for teeth but really irritating for skin 🙅

Cover with a spot sticker: these absorb impurities and protect, and you can either get invisible or colourful ones

Stay hydrated: aim for your 8 glasses of water per day 🚰

Apply an over-the-counter treatment: look out for products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree which are great for treating spots

Avoid touching areas of your face: this will prevent bacteria making the spot worse. If you have to touch your face, wash your hands first 💧

Avoid picking or scratching: this can increase the risk of scarring – try to keep your hands busy with a scrunchie or hair tie if you're worried you'll do it

Finally, know that spots are super common, and nothing to feel ashamed of 🤍 Try to embrace your unique skin and be patient with it – it’s going through lots of hormonal changes and will settle down eventually 🫶

There’s more in the luna app on managing skin types, skincare ingredients and acne myths, as well as a simple skincare routine you can follow – this can be a game changer when it comes to clearer skin.

Hope this helps you on your journey to happier, clearer skin 💫

How we answered this question:

luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. Questions are answered and reviewed by this team.

Sources:

DermNet ‘Acne treatment’

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-treatment
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