DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm currently dealing with bad acne. It has gotten progressively worse, even though I keep up with my skin-care routine, and I am badgered by my beauty-conscious friends to make sure I try X and Y tips. I didn't care much at first that I was breaking out because I was too stressed, but now I am beginning to panic that this bumpy complexion may become permanent. Should I be taking steps to become acne free, or is beauty truly on the inside? -- Bumpy, Detroit
DEAR BUMPY: Acne is a condition that many adolescents experience. For some, it lasts much longer than the teenage years. Whether one is beauty conscious or not, every person with acne should take great care with his or her skin to keep it healthy. That includes not scratching or squeezing bumps, no matter how tempting it may be.
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Because your acne is bad, you may benefit from prescribed topical treatments to help diminish your condition. Your doctor may also suggest dietary changes that will clean your system and support healthy skin. If you eat a lot of fatty or fried foods, eliminate them from your diet now. Same for sugary drinks. Ask your mother to get you to the doctor ASAP to get a professional evaluation and regimen.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)