Acne is one of the most embarrassing and frustrating realities many teenagers face. According to an estimate, approximately 80% of adolescents and young adults will experience at least a mild form of acne. Whether on the back, face, or any part of the body, acne can create feelings of stress, anxiety, and self-consciousness.
If your teenager is dealing with acne, it can be challenging for you as a parent or caregiver to watch them struggle with their acne. Let’s learn more about acne, its treatment options, and where you can go for effective teenage acne management in Phoenix, AZ.
Acne: What Is It?
Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin problem where the pores of the skin clog due to a buildup of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. The blockage of skin pores can produce whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cystic lesions, and nodules.
The most common locations of acne are where sebaceous glands (oil glands of the body) exist the most, such as the face, chest, forehead, shoulder, and upper back.
In teenagers, acne is largely a hormonal condition driven by testosterone. Increased production of this androgen hormone – combined with the surface bacteria on your skin and oil produced by the sebaceous gland – can result in teenage acne.
Ways to Manage Teen Acne
The following are some tips pediatric dermatologist recommends to effectively combat teenage acne.
Tip #1 Adopt a Healthy Skin Care Routine
When it comes to acne, your first line of defense is a good skincare routine. A healthy skincare routine for teenagers with acne could include:
- Washing face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening to remove makeup, dirt, and oil.
- Applying moisturizer to hydrate the skin.
- Applying sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) to protect the skin from UV damage.
- Exfoliating at least once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
- Applying a mask on your face at least once or twice a week to provide extra nourishment and hydration to the skin.
Always use oil-free and non-comedogenic products as they won’t clog pores on your skin.
Tip #2 Resist the Urge to Pop That Pimple
Squeezing pimples can be tempting; however, doing so will not make them disappear. In fact, popping zits can worsen the issue by pushing bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of skin infections. Furthermore, popping the zits can also result in permanent scarring, another cosmetic issue.
Tip #3 Try Over-the-Counter Acne Products
When a new zit starts to appear, try using a spot treatment designed to eliminate it quickly. This does not mean your new pimple will be gone by the morning, but it will give your skin a huge head start. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids are common ingredients that you should look for in over-the-counter spot treatments for zits.
Tip #4 Consult a Pediatric Dermatologist
If your teen’s acne is not responding to over-the-counter treatments, is aggressive type, and is affecting their mental health, don’t wait too long to see a pediatric dermatologist. A pediatric dermatologist can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the type of teen acne and the underlying cause of it. They can also prescribe topical retinoids and other forms of acne treatments that can unclog pores, especially for adolescents with oily skin.
Acne Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
No matter how severe your adolescent’s acne is, a pediatric dermatologist can always help. At Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology, our compassionate and highly experienced pediatric dermatologist, Samantha Casselman, has built an excellent reputation in addressing a comprehensive range of pediatric skin conditions, including acne.
To know more about our services or to schedule a consultation with our provider, call us today at (602) 837-3376 or fill out our easy-to-fill online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
