Girl Talk - TLC

The skin you're in

Pimples are a frustrating fact of teenage life and are guaranteed to reduce your self-confidence and show up probably when that cute guy from class finally asks you out! However, don’t feel too down; very few girls escape their teenage years pimple-free so you’re not alone. For most girls, pimples and blocked pores are just one of those things they have no other option but to cope with. Fortunately, you can help your skin throughout this difficult phase by giving it lots of TLC – Tender Loving Care
 

Why do you get pimples?

The oil glands in your skin go into overdrive during puberty and produce excess amounts of a greasy substance called sebum. If dead skin cells or dirt block the skin pores, the flow of sebum is obstructed and bacteria can develop. This can then cause pimples.

What is acne?

Acne is a more serious condition of pimples and can be a real confidence killer. However, it’s not a life sentence - it usually clears up after puberty. And over the last few years, medical treatments for acne have improved greatly. This means your doctor now has a range of creams and pills that can help relieve the condition. And, in extreme cases, your doctor can refer you to a skin specialist (called a dermatologist). So what are the factors that can cause acne?

Your genes. If your mother or father had acne as a teenager, you’re likely to suffer similar skin problems

Your hormones.Androgen hormones become active during adolescence and stimulate the sebaceous glands (situated all through the body just under the first layer of skin) of your skin. This results in more oil being produced, which clogs pores and causes pimples or blackheads. Hormonal changes caused by your periods or by starting/stopping the birth-control pill can also cause acne to flare up; although the pill is often effective in treating skin problems as well.

Your stress levels.Stress won’t cause acne – but it may well aggravate it.

Your skincare regime.Washing your face too often can actually aggravate the skin and cause acne.

Your skincare products and cosmetics.Greasy products clog oil ducts and can cause acne.

Your diet.Opinion is divided but some dermatologists believe food allergies can trigger acne outbreaks.

Your medication.Acne is a side effect of some drugs including barbiturates, seizure medication and steroids.
 

  

Coping with pimples

Looking to maximise your chances of clear skin? All you need to do is

• Establish a twice-daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising
• Use specialist face-washes or cleansers
• Look after your general health and wellbeing
• Don’t squeeze, pick or pop your pimples– it’ll only make them worse
• Be patient - pimples don’t disappear overnight 

Look after your skin this winter! 

Winter and your skin are not the best of friends. Fact. Your skin produces less oil in winter and that, combined with the cold wind and hot central heating plays havoc with it. Your skin can be left looking and feeling itchy and dry. So here’s Being Girl’s guide to defying the winter skin blues.

Invest in a good moisturiser

If you’re going to do one thing for your skin this winter, this should be it. A good moisturiser will help to stop your skin feeling dry, and will protect it from the wind and cold. Use it day and night and at any other moments you feel in need of it.

Don’t use water that’s too hot on your face or body.

Hot water strips the skin of valuable moisture so make sure your baths and showers are warm rather than blazing hot.

Indulge your skin

Give yourself a home facial by steaming your face to get rid of toxins and blackheads before applying a moisturising face-mask. Make a girly night of it and have a gossip while you’re waiting for the face mask to work its magic.

Use lipsalve

Let this be your best friend for winter. It’ll keep your lips feeling baby soft, ready for all those party kisses.

Drink lots of water

Your skin still needs water, even when it’s cold, so make sure you’re drinking around 8 glasses a day to keep it radiant.

Don’t forget your hands!

They need a bit of tlc over the winter months too. Get a warm pair of gloves and some handcream to help them stay smooth.