Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey opened up about his 'embarrassing' teen years in the new edition of his Lyrics of Livin', weekly newsletter. He recalled his days of struggle with acne and the treatment that his mother suggested, in fact, made it even worse.
"A fan of self-regard and looking my best, I listened to her and started applying Oil of Mink to my face each night before bed. The result? More pimples," he revealed.
Mink oil is used in skincare for its high moisture-binding, non-comedogenic properties that help soothe, hydrate, treat mild acne, dry skin and eczema. It is often marketed for moisturising skin and reducing inflammation.
Though the product was touted for troubled skin, it had quite the opposite effect on the How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days star.
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When he showed it to a dermatologist, he found out that he had been too young to use the oil.
"Three weeks in, my entire cheeks were swollen...Huge whiteheads. Blistering geysers of pus. I looked like a different person," he said.
He said that his doctor said the product he used was for people at least over 40 years old. "Definitely not for a teenager going through adolescence when your skin is secreting more oil," he said.
McConaughey had severe nodular acne. Later, he was prescribed medicines for it.
After two years on the retinoid medication, the Hollywood heartthrob had a clear complexion.
According to skincare experts, teen skincare should be focused and simple. Gentle cleansing, moisturising, and daily SPF are suggested for teen skincare. However, optional acne treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for breakouts could be adopted in some cases.
Dermatologists also advise against popping or picking pimples to prevent scarring.
