I'm 17yr old, male, and I have mild acne. I don't get much sleep. I don't take regular showers. Here goes the questions.

1. What would showering every day do to my acne? (Everytime I take a shower, my acne gets worse!).

2. What does picking at the acne do to my skin? (Any tips for quitting?).

3. What are some effective products that I can get easily? (I haven't tried many. Most dry my skin out way too much and my face starts peeling!).

4. What foods can I eat that are skin healthy? (I'm a guy. I eat junk food. Looking for healthy alternatives).

5. How can I hide/fade the scars I have from 'picking'? (They aren't everywhere, but they create discolorations and dark spots.)

-Any advice would help!! You all sound very knowledgeable ;)

-I have been suffering from low self-esteem for about 5 years because of my facial imperfections... after looking at previous threads of success... this could be my salvation if I can find anything that works.

hi!
OK, here goes...

1. showering = nothing, just don't scrub off your face - use something mild in the morning like aveeno - and in the night, use a scrub. Or you can try natural skin care... will tel you more if you're interested

2. picking is terrible - but if you have to do it, do it by making sure your face and hands are clean... use a tissue paper - make sure there is no white stuff left (make sure its clean)... wash your face, swab with some alcohol, HONEY (which is a good alternative if your skin is sensitive) or apply ben. Peroxide (spectro gel 2.5 or 5% is THEEEE greatest)

3. above

4. foods... a glass of fresh orange juice when you just wake up is GREAT... throughout the day -anything like strawberries, grapes, dark chocolate... anyways- just eat a lot of healthy stuff! Fruits and vegs... also, oreo cookies are a delight! - but in moderation... you have to eat some junk

5. scars fade with time - but putting some lemon juice on your face for 3 minutes in the night and rincing with cool water afterwards should speed up the process.
other products - neutrogena, aveeno, spectro gel have have great results!

be sure to keep your head up, exercise and be proud of yourself - I have had the low self esteem - but trust me, most people aren't shallow pricks - they'll love you for your personality and your confidence - so keep your head up!
x yenoh


p.s. I also suffer from mild acne - and have been for a few years- my regime help keep things under control. Remember, you only live once... don't let this govern your life. Someday it'll go away