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POSTED: 7 Nov 2023

Here’s How To Help Your Teenager Overcome Acne

Navigating the teen years is tough for both teenagers and their parents and caregivers. Amongst these challenges, teenage acne often stands out. Despite being extremely common, it is misunderstood. At the heart of this is that teen acne is not just a physical or cosmetic problem. There are a number of , physiological and psychological factors that drive acne during a period of major change. Furthermore, acne can significantly impact self-esteem and social interactions, both now and in the long term. All of this makes early intervention and effective treatment vital. In this article, we cover the causes, prevention and best treatments for teenage acne. We believe that parental support and guidance is a core part of how to treat it.

What is Teenage Acne?

This is a common skin condition that usually arises during adolescence, a period marked by significant hormonal changes and physical development. The main driver of is an increase in androgens, such as testosterone, which occurs in both males and females during puberty. These hormonal fluctuations lead to an increase in sebum production, the oily substance that the sebaceous glands secrete. When excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog pores. This then creates an ideal environment for a bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes) to thrive. As a result, you get inflammation and the appearance of spots and blemishes.

Teenage acne commonly appears on the face and neck, but it can also affect the chest, back and shoulders. In addition to the physical effects, it can have a major and psychological impact. So it can affect self-esteem and social interactions during these important years. Therefore, addressing this condition holistically, considering both the physical and emotional wellbeing of the teenager, is essential.

How It Looks

The in teens can vary significantly in both severity and form. It can range from mild comedones ( and ) to more severe inflammatory lesions like papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Teenage acne often begins as small, non-inflamed blackheads and whiteheads. These appear when pores become with excess sebum and dead skin cells. As these comedones become colonised by bacteria, they can evolve into more visible and sometimes painful forms of acne. This includes papules, which are small, red, raised bumps, and pustules, which are similar but contain pus, often with a white or yellow centre. In more severe cases, teenagers may nodules and cysts. These are deep, painful and inflamed lumps under the skin that can lead to scars if not treated properly. In addition to the pimples and , acne can also leave behind (dark marks) or (red spots).

What Causes Acne in Teens?

Teenage acne isn’t just a series of random breakouts. It’s a chronic condition predominantly caused by hormonal changes during puberty. These hormonal shifts lead to more oil production. Combined with dead skin cells, this can clog pores and become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This results in acne. Understanding this process is the first step in learning how to treat it.

Whilst critical, hormonal changes are not the only drivers of teenage acne. There are a number of other factors that contribute. Firstly, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the skin’s sensitivity to hormones and its tendency to produce excess sebum. So if a teen’s parents experienced severe acne, the likelihood of them getting it increases.

Lifestyle factors can also drive teenage acne. The role of diet is still an ongoing area of research, but there are some signs that it plays a part in acne severity. For example, foods with a high glycemic index, such as sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates, can spike blood sugar levels. This in turn can stimulate sebum production and inflammation. Dairy has also been linked in some studies to making acne worse. There’s also evidence that can worsen teenage acne. It increases the production of hormones such as cortisol, which raise oil production in the skin. Finally, certain medications can trigger acne breakouts. Drugs like corticosteroids, testosterone and may also trigger or worsen acne in some people.

Why is it Important to Understand Teenage Acne?

Understanding the causes, triggers and exacerbating of teenage acne is vital for a number of reasons. They give you a path for how to effectively treat teenage acne, as well as how to support your child throughout this journey. Here is an overview of how this can help you:

Myths About Teenage Acne That Should Be Debunked

There is a lot of misinformation around acne. This can lead to stigma and drive teens towards useless or even harmful treatments. Debunking these myths is a vital part of treating acne and helping your . Here are the most common acne myths that should be retired:

Best Treatments for Teenage Acne

There are a large number of acne treatments, from over-the-counter skincare to and professional treatments. The best way to treat teenage acne depends on the causes and severity. How well the skin responds and the time it takes to see will also vary from person to person. For mild or moderate acne, it’s best to start with a combination of proper skincare and lifestyle improvements. Where the acne is not responding to this, getting worse or severe, it may be best to seek medical help early. This includes widespread acne, nodules and cysts, or scarring.

Skincare for Teenage Acne

A good skincare routine should form the backbone of any teenage acne . It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The trick is to select effective ingredients that tackle the underlying problems that cause acne. Look for products that the following:

Prescription Treatments for Teenage Acne

Sometimes, skincare alone isn’t enough to clear acne. This is especially likely in more severe forms like cystic or nodular acne. In cases like this, medical treatments can be invaluable. You will need to see your family doctor, who may either start treatment or refer your child to a dermatologist depending on the severity. In general, these are the most used to treat teenage acne:

Professional Treatments for Teenage Acne

These aren’t usually effective for treating acne by themselves, but they can help manage severe acne as part of a comprehensive routine. Again, in most cases it’s best to try medical treatments before adding professional treatments. These should be performed by a medical professional with experience in treating teenage acne. They will ensure the correct protocols are used and minimise the risk of skin irritation or injury:

Lifestyle Changes for Teenage Acne

As mentioned earlier, lifestyle factors can worsen teenage acne, so it’s worth giving this some attention. Encourage your to follow the advice below:

When to Get Professional Help

For more persistent or severe cases, professional treatment may be necessary to prevent long-term damage such as scars and negative psychological effects. Dermatologists can offer a range of options for teenage acne, including prescription medications and professional treatments. They can also provide guidance on topical treatments tailored to your child’s individual needs. Here are some signs that it’s time to get help from a specialist:

Skincare Routine for Teenage Acne

No matter how severe the acne, and whether or not you need medical or professional treatments, a good skincare routine is vital. A routine for teenagers should be gentle yet effective, aimed at managing breakouts whilst maintaining healthy skin. Here is everything you need to put together a skincare routine for teenage acne:

Supporting Your Teen Emotionally

The impact of teenage acne can be far-reaching, and it’s important to take this into account when figuring out how to treat it. Beyond the physical, it can affect a teen’s self-esteem and social life. This can make them feel and insecure at a time when they highly value approval from their peers. As such, supporting a teenager emotionally through their battle with acne is as important as addressing the physical aspects. and caregivers have a really important role here.

First of all, your teen and provide a safe space for them to deal with acne. It’s vital to acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that acne is common and treatable. Try to dispel harmful myths and reassure your teen that it is not a reflection of their worth or hygiene. It’s also important to encourage open communication, allowing them to express their frustrations and concerns without fear of dismissal or judgment.

Empowering your teen is also crucial. Educate your child about acne and emphasise that it’s a temporary and manageable condition. This will give them hope and dispel any feelings of isolation or embarrassment. Crucially, always involve your teenager in any decisions about how to treat their acne. This will empower them and give them a sense of control. Beyond their appearance, try to recognise and praise your teen’s strengths and achievements to instil a greater sense of confidence and self-worth. Finally, don’t struggle alone. If your teen is showing signs of depression or severe anxiety due to acne, seek help from a mental health professional.

As you’ll have seen, teenage acne is a medical condition that can have serious and psychological effects. The best way to treat it will depend on the causes, severity and your child’s skin and overall health. Whilst it can be a difficult condition to treat, there are many options to clear it up. Parents and caregivers can provide vital guidance and support, steering adolescents through this difficult period. However, to be in the best position to help, arm yourself with information and understand that teenage acne is a journey that requires patience and a personalised approach. Also learn when to seek professional help from your GP or a dermatologist, as early intervention can prevent long-term skin Pigmentation & Sun Damage and emotional distress.

At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our doctors offer safe and effective custom for adults using ingredients like , , and where appropriate, through our online clinic. Our doctors treat , , , and through bespoke treatments around you. To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin .

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.

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