Of the many growing pains that teenagers have to go through, acne is one of the most embarrassing ones. Acne can start becoming a problem as early as the age of 10 and can continue well into adulthood, but it is most common among teenagers.
Let’s talk about what acne is, what exacerbates it, and where you can go to find a solution for your acne once and for all.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the tiny hair follicles become clogged by a buildup of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Acne can include whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, nodules, and cystic lesions. They tend to appear most often on the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
Early acne treatment produces the best results. It rarely goes away on its own, and it can leave permanent scarring if it is not addressed by a dermatologist.
Here are a few dos and don’ts that can help prevent your teenager’s acne from getting worse:
Things to Do for Your Acne
- Keep your hands away from your face in order to avoid bacteria from your hands making contact with your facial skin. Bacteria is a major cause of acne.
- Shampoo your hair every day. The shampoo will help to wash off the oil in the area around the hairline, which can contribute to forehead acne.
- Always be sure to shower if you have been sweating.
- Protect your skin from the sun. The sun’s rays can damage the skin and can make acne worse.
- Keep your stress levels down. Stress is known to cause acne flare-ups and to make existing acne worse.
Things to Avoid with Acne
- Avoid excessive face-washing. It is tempting to keep washing or cleansing your face to keep it as clean as possible – especially if you have oily skin – but over-washing can dry out the skin, irritate the acne, and make it worse. This includes using facial scrubs, astringent, and harsh soaps.
- Do not pick or squeeze at your acne. The risks include irritation (causing more acne), infection, and scarring. It will heal much more quickly if you leave it alone and let it heal naturally.
- Avoid wearing excessive or oil-based makeup. Cosmetics can clog the pores, and this can worsen your acne.
Pediatric Dermatologist in Miami and Coral Gables
If your teenager is suffering with acne, a pediatric dermatologist can help get it under control. With the doctor’s extensive knowledge and training, your teen can enjoy clear skin again.
Here at Children’s Skin Center, our medical team offers superior acne treatment for our pediatric and adult patients alike. Dr. Ana Duarte is passionate about resolving pediatric skin issues, as she has been helping her patients achieve acne-free skin for over 20 years.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Duarte, call or text our clinic today at (305)-669-6555. We look forward to seeing you!
