Acne can be embarrassing and frustrating no matter what age it shows up—all the more so during the teenage years. If you have an adolescent child, it can be tough to watch them struggle with acne, especially if what they have is the aggressive type.
Here at The Children’s Skin Center, our board-certified dermatologists are best known for their expertise as well as for their commitment to providing the highest quality of skin care for people of all ages, including teens. They know what works, and they love to team up with parents to help their teens get the beautiful, blemish-free skin they love to be in.
Below, we’re sharing a few tips from our dermatologists to help teens effectively combat acne and prevent future breakouts.
Tip #1 Avoid oil-based skincare products.
Our dermatologists recommend oil-free and noncomedogenic products to prevent pore blockage, which can lead to breakouts. Coconut oil is one of the most common comedogenic oils out there that anyone with acne-prone skin should avoid.
Tip #2 Know the best way to wash the face.
Experts at American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and our very own here at The Children’s Skin Center recommend limiting washing the face to twice a day: in the morning and at bedtime. Excessive washing can lead to more sebum production as the body tries to add moisture to dried-out skin.
Additionally, remind your teen not to scrub their face with loofah, washcloth, or harsh exfoliant, as these can irritate their skin and worsen acne. Have them wash their face with their bare hands with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
Tip #3 Resist the urge to pop that zit.
As tempting as it is to squeeze pimples, doing so will not make them go away. In fact, it will only make the problem worse, as it can push pus and bacteria even deeper into the skin, thereby increasing your teen’s risk of developing an infection. It can also result in permanent scarring, which becomes another issue to deal with.
Take your teen to see one of our dermatologists, who knows the best way to treat their acne.
Tip #4 Keep hair away from the face.
Hair is essentially a magnet for dirt and bacteria. Also, the oil that naturally accumulates on your teen’s hair or the ingredient in the hair spray, gel, mousse, or other hair products that they use can find its way into their skin and clog their pores.
For teenage girls with acne-prone skin, our dermatologists recommend that they tie or keep their hair up, if they don’t like washing their hair before bedtime.
Acne isn’t a rite of passage that your teen has to suffer through. Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists today. Call or text our friendly staff at (305) 669-6555. We have several dermatology clinics across Miami-Dade County: in Coral Gables, Doral, Miami, Miami Lakes, Miramar, Pinecrest, and West Kendall. We look forward to serving you and your family!
