I am a self

ACNE

What acne medication is the best?

I find the best results with Klaron. It is a topical solution (lotion) with an antibiotic. It works wonders. Ask your doctor to prescribe it for you.

I am a self-conscious teen with acne. What is the best way to cover it up?

Don't use liquid foundation make-up, ever, even if it says it is oil-free. Wash with oil-free soap (not Ponds or Dove) and water, wash again with the acne medication from your dermatologist, apply the medicine from your dermatologist. After that dries, use oil-free compressed powder instead of foundation. Then dot on oil-free cover-up wand. When that dries, use oil-free powder again.

I am in 7th grade and my face is such a mess that I just want to hide. My dad keeps saying that it's not bad enough to see a dermatologist, but I think it is. What do I do?

Explain that a dermatologist is covered under insurance just like any other doctor. Even Medicaid will cover it. If you had a rash that wouldn't go away, wouldn't they take you to the doctor then? Do you have your insurance information? Can your mom or anyone else take you? Try talking to your school counselor and maybe they can convince your parents how damaging this is to your self esteem.

I am in 7th grade and one of my best friends has bad acne all over her chin. I can tell she is very self-conscience. Instead of embarrassing her, I talked to her mom when I was at her house. Her mom is very friendly and easy-going. I just said there is no reason for her to have to look like this. She is a pretty girl, and she needs to see a skin doctor. I said the same thing as above, it is covered by insurance and there is no reason not to go. I suggested the doctor that I go to, and her mom made an appointment that week.

There is a lawyer that I work with, she doesn't wear much make-up or pretty clothes. I think she is embarrassed because her acne is so bad. So one time when we were both in the bathroom, I asked her which dermatologist she goes to. It turns out she wasn't even seeing one! I told her the name of the doctor that is covered by our insurance. I told her of another woman in the office who goes to the same doctor, and how happy we are with the new topical medicine she gave us. I think if you share information in a friendly way, instead of putting someone on the spot, they will listen to you and not get embarrassed.

I'm a 16-year-old guy with bad acne. Is it okay to wear make-up to cover it up?

You could try. Make sure you find a color that matches your skin tone. But keep in mind your acne is temporary, and someday you can grow a distinguished beard to cover up any scars.