How to get rid of these acne like bumps on my forehead?

Ways or treatments to get rid of acne?

• I know this is a frequently asked question, and I feel pretty stupid asking it. But I've suffered from acne since 6th grade, i'm in 8th grade now, but the acne hasn't gone away. It's most severe on my forehead, where I broke out years ago after shaving it(well my mom did it, i'm not sure why, I think she mightve been drunk and I had to keep doing it or the hair would keep growin) it's weird because they look like red bumps on my skin, only a few have puss inside. I tried Proactiv mutliple times in the past two years, but it's made no difference. I get teased about it, and I have lots of blackheads on my nose as well. If you can't tell me any treatments for acne, maybe you could tell me what these small red bumps on my skin could possibly be and how to get rid of them? Thanks

• Answer:

  I totally feel your pain! I've had acne my entire life but when I was your age it was especially bad and even if yours isn't as bad as mine was the teasing is still very hurtful. Jr High and High School can be the worst time of your life because of things like that. It certainly was for me. Now, what to do about it. The issue with your forehead after shaving, I suspect that this is not acne but either razor burn or a rash. If it's razor burn you need to use better shaving products, a good shaving gel, a triple or quattro blade razor (NOT a cheap disposable!) and a good after shave lotion (not a cheap, smelly aftershave!). I suggest Neutrogena, they have a Razor Defense line that is reasonably priced and works really well. It's what my husband uses. If it's a rash you can buy any store brand hydrocortisone cream and put it on once or twice a day. It should clear up bumps and redness within a day or two. This is something you would have to use every day or the bumps will come back. Now for acne, you need to wash your face morning and evening but don't use harsh cleansers and scrubs. A scrub a couple of times a week is ok but it should be a fairly gentle scrub. As important as cleaning your skin is, keeping it moisturized is equally important. If you have over productive oil glands on your face you want to keep them from starting to produce as much as you can because once they start they don't know when to stop and you end up with an oily face which clogs your pores and causes acne. As soon as you're done washing your face use a non-oily lotion on your face and neck. Neutrogena, Biore, Aveeno are all inexpensive but good lines of cleaners and lotions. If you leave just a bit of water on your skin from rinsing the cleanser it will help a little bit of lotion go a long way and absorb into your skin especially well. Another product I've used with good results is Aloe Vera Gel, I used it all thru my teens because it lightly moisturizes and also heals the skin. It's helps your skin not scar as badly as it might otherwise so that's a bonus too. Buy 100% aloe gel and keep it in the fridge to keep it fresh. You can get it at a health product store for a low price. Also Neosporin, it's made to help heal small cuts more quickly and it works for acne to. I put some on every morning after I wash my face and if I have a bad zit I keep it by me in the evening and I put a dab on several times as I'm watching tv or whatever.