Ridding Your Teen of Acne
Does your teenager have a severe case of acne? He is not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 100 percent of all teens have at least the occasional breakout. Acne strikes all teenagers equally, no matter what sex, age or ethnicity.
Teen acne generally begins between the ages of 10 and 13. The most common progression starts on the nose, then spreads to the forehead, chin and cheeks. In more severe cases, acne may affect the neck, shoulders, chest, back and upper arms. Most cases of acne resolve by the time the person is in his or her 20s. However, it isn't unusual for acne to persist into adulthood.
Hormones released at the start of puberty are responsible for the appearance of acne during the teen years. These hormones stimulate the skin's oil glands, creating oily skin that is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts. Studies have shown that stress and diet can trigger acne.
Teens are more likely than adults to jump from product to product, searching for an acne remedy. Teenagers who are very upset about the state of their skin may also use topical medications to excess, in an attempt to speed clearing.
It's important for teens to understand that all acne medications, including over-the-counter remedies, must be used as directed. If medication is applied too often, or in high concentration, it can easily cause excessive dryness, peeling, redness, irritation and can actually increase healing time.
Acne not only is a physical problem, it's a psychological one. Even if the acne is relatively mild, it may have a big impact on self-esteem and self-confidence. But the more severe the acne, the greater the emotional toll it takes on the teen.
Teenagers with acne tend to have a poor body image. It's normal for sufferers to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their skin. Boys especially may feel uncomfortable undressing in the locker room if acne is present on the body. Teens may be unwilling to participate in sports, such as swimming, because of embarrassment about their skin.
Parents need to understand that even mild acne may have a profound impact on the way their teen feels about themselves. Helping with treatment and support can go a long way in protecting and repairing a teen's self-esteem.
Your teen can't cause acne by not washing his face. But good skin care is still an important step in your acne treatment routine. Use a foaming cleanser every morning and night, preferably one with benzoyl peroxide. A light, oil-free moisturizer can be used if acne treatments make your skin feel tight, or you have flaking or peeling.
For body acne, use a medicated body wash. Shower as soon as possible after sweating or working out, because sweat can irritate acne breakouts. Tell your teen not to scrub the skin too hard. Whether acne is on your face or body, scrubbing can increase inflammation and won't help clear breakouts faster. You're better off treating your skin very gently, allowing it to heal.
Today's teens are super busy with school activities, so it's important to help them remember to get their acne treatments. But if you want good results you have to be consistent, which means using your treatment medications every day as directed. Try not to skip days.
If your teen has trouble remembering his acne medications, putting them in a place that he'll easily see them is a simple reminder. Using medications at the same time every day can also keep you him from forgetting about them. You may also want to leave your teen a reminder note.
If nothing seems to be working for your teen, talk to another dermatologist. If your child's acne isn't improving with over-the-counter medications, ask for help. Teen acne is a common problem, but it is no longer considered something teenagers must suffer with alone. There are plenty of acne treatments available to you in a pharmacy near you. If over-the-counter products aren't working after 12 weeks of consistent use, see a doctor. Your pediatrician or family doctor can treat teenage acne, so you may not even need a referral to see a dermatologist.
Pediatricians can help treat teen acne. You can locate a pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist in your area. Knowing what the physician's specialty is can help you choose the right doctor. The key is to find a good diagnostic center that can treat your teen.
Teen acne generally begins between the ages of 10 and 13. The most common progression starts on the nose, then spreads to the forehead, chin and cheeks. In more severe cases, acne may affect the neck, shoulders, chest, back and upper arms. Most cases of acne resolve by the time the person is in his or her 20s. However, it isn't unusual for acne to persist into adulthood.
Find a Clinic or Doctor and Seek Help
Hormones released at the start of puberty are responsible for the appearance of acne during the teen years. These hormones stimulate the skin's oil glands, creating oily skin that is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts. Studies have shown that stress and diet can trigger acne.
Teens are more likely than adults to jump from product to product, searching for an acne remedy. Teenagers who are very upset about the state of their skin may also use topical medications to excess, in an attempt to speed clearing.
It's important for teens to understand that all acne medications, including over-the-counter remedies, must be used as directed. If medication is applied too often, or in high concentration, it can easily cause excessive dryness, peeling, redness, irritation and can actually increase healing time.
The Emotional Toll of Acne
Acne not only is a physical problem, it's a psychological one. Even if the acne is relatively mild, it may have a big impact on self-esteem and self-confidence. But the more severe the acne, the greater the emotional toll it takes on the teen.
Teenagers with acne tend to have a poor body image. It's normal for sufferers to feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their skin. Boys especially may feel uncomfortable undressing in the locker room if acne is present on the body. Teens may be unwilling to participate in sports, such as swimming, because of embarrassment about their skin.
Parents need to understand that even mild acne may have a profound impact on the way their teen feels about themselves. Helping with treatment and support can go a long way in protecting and repairing a teen's self-esteem.
The Key is Good Skin Care
Your teen can't cause acne by not washing his face. But good skin care is still an important step in your acne treatment routine. Use a foaming cleanser every morning and night, preferably one with benzoyl peroxide. A light, oil-free moisturizer can be used if acne treatments make your skin feel tight, or you have flaking or peeling.
For body acne, use a medicated body wash. Shower as soon as possible after sweating or working out, because sweat can irritate acne breakouts. Tell your teen not to scrub the skin too hard. Whether acne is on your face or body, scrubbing can increase inflammation and won't help clear breakouts faster. You're better off treating your skin very gently, allowing it to heal.
Keep Your Teen Engaged in Skin Care
Today's teens are super busy with school activities, so it's important to help them remember to get their acne treatments. But if you want good results you have to be consistent, which means using your treatment medications every day as directed. Try not to skip days.
If your teen has trouble remembering his acne medications, putting them in a place that he'll easily see them is a simple reminder. Using medications at the same time every day can also keep you him from forgetting about them. You may also want to leave your teen a reminder note.
When All Else Fails
If nothing seems to be working for your teen, talk to another dermatologist. If your child's acne isn't improving with over-the-counter medications, ask for help. Teen acne is a common problem, but it is no longer considered something teenagers must suffer with alone. There are plenty of acne treatments available to you in a pharmacy near you. If over-the-counter products aren't working after 12 weeks of consistent use, see a doctor. Your pediatrician or family doctor can treat teenage acne, so you may not even need a referral to see a dermatologist.
Pediatricians can help treat teen acne. You can locate a pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist in your area. Knowing what the physician's specialty is can help you choose the right doctor. The key is to find a good diagnostic center that can treat your teen.
