Reader’s Question:

I’m 14 years old and my face is ridden with pimples all over. I’ve been going back and forth to a dermatologist here in Syracuse, New York but the pimples have yet to disappear from my life forever. My friend says I should avoid eating peanuts. Is that true?

Karen

Syracuse, NY

My dear, do not push yourself too hard. Pimples, whether we like it or not, are part of a stage in a person’s life called puberty. It’s that stage where changes are rampant, and so, oftentimes, because a lot is taking place all at the same time, your bodily functions become imbalanced. Like in this case, the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Overproduction of sebum tends to make your skin oily, thus blocking the pore. This sebum also triggers the formation of bacteria, which in turn make way for the dreaded, horrifying, nightmare-causing zit. As for the going to the dermatologist, I suggest you do not overdo it. Have your regular checkup, yes. Go there to have regular cleaning. But I would say once every two months is okay. You could be spending too much on that dermatologist in Syracuse, New York. Because the truth is, it won’t go away even if you visit the doctor every day. You are still at the peak of your puberty, so just wait and see what happens when your hormones have settled. Whoever told you peanuts makes your face grow pimples, you can tell her to start reading reliable literature. Like I already said, it’s bacteria that cause pimples. In the meantime, all you have to do is practice good hygiene and clean your face as needed. You’ll live. Don’t worry.