Approximately eight in 10 teens suffer with acne – so many that it’s often brushed off as a rite of passage or a fact of life. For those going through puberty’s often tumultuous times, teen acne can leave behind emotional and physical scars that have the potential to last a lifetime.
A dermatologist who specializes in children’s skin can be a great asset, providing a wealth of information to help your teen navigate this difficult issue.
One common conundrum surrounding acne is where those little bumps come from. Sebaceous glands, or oil glands, provide sebum. This is the skin’s natural moisturizer. When too much sebum builds up in the skin’s pores, dead skin cells build up and bacteria starts to form; this is where the pimple begins.
When a teen is on the receiving end of mean comments about their skin, it can leave them blaming themselves. Did they not wash their face? Was it something they ate? Hormonal changes during the teen years, combined with genetic predisposition for problem skin are more than likely the cause.
Tips for Treating Teen Acne
- Visit a dermatologist. Many parents wonder whether or not acne is a serious condition. It’s important to remind your children to treat their acne as it arises, but also practice preventive care. Regular trips to a dermatologist can help keep tabs on skin health. Left untreated, acne can become severe and leave behind deep scars and marks.
- Choose the right topical medication. If there was a magic pill or potion for conditions such as acne, everyone would be taking them. While overnight creams and miracle solutions may seem tempting, they’re probably too good to be true. Proper skin care isn’t an overnight miracle, although some of the celebrity-endorsed washes and creams might claim to be. Choosing a topical medication that contains benzoyl peroxide is a good place to start. It’s a blemish-fighting ingredient found in many over-the-counter acne cleansers, toners, and creams. In addition, salicylic acid is a friend to those with acne, as it works overtime to combat redness and swelling.
For some, saying goodbye to the teen years means outgrowing acne. For others, the trials and tribulations of problem skin follow them into adulthood. Thankfully, there are many ways to mitigate this. Examine the medications you are taking, as some corticosteroids and androgens can leave you with blemishes.
- Nutrition matters. Regulating your teen’s blood sugar by limiting their intake of sweets and candy can lessen their skin issues. Try reducing inflammation in the body – which is linked to poor skin health – by putting salmon and healthy fish on the menu for dinner. You’ll all get the right balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids as a result.
- Don’t over wash. It can be easy to associate pimples with dirty skin but that doesn’t mean you should necessarily be washing more. Instead, avoid over-drying the skin, which can cause extra damage. Select a mild cleanser that won’t strip the skin; this is especially important when you’re using harsh prescriptions or topical creams.
- Mitigate stress. Stress has been called the “silent killer” by many, and with good reason. It negatively effects so many of the body’s systems. Taking time out to relax can be a beneficial exercise for anyone suffering from acne, as stress and turmoil tend to play a part in worsening acne.
- Makeup can clog pores. Between Instagram and school dances, many teens are obsessed with gussying up. For young ladies, this includes the use of makeup. It may be worth taking a look inside that makeup bag to see if you’re utilizing the best products for your skin. Some cheaper makeup products can clog your pores, resulting in bad breakouts. A dermatologist can help guide you as to what works best for your skin type. Start by seeking out products that are labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.
- Don’t pop that zit. When that unsightly bump pops up, it may be tempting to poke, prod, or pinch it. Resist the temptation! Most dermatologists recommend making regular appointments, where they can be extracted the right Touching them can leave you with scars and dark spots that live on long after the blemish is gone.
Acne Care from a Dermatologist in Miami, FL
If your teen is dealing with teen acne breakouts, you can assist them by finding a reputable dermatologist who can examine their skin, prescribe treatments, and monitor their progress. It will not only put them on the path toward clearer skin, but also boost their self-esteem.
Children’s Skin Center is an excellent choice for all your teen’s skin care needs; their facility offers the most cutting-edge dermatological treatments. For more information, call or text our offices at (305)-669-6555.
