Causes and Treatment Options
Teenagers are faced with a myriad of challenges while growing up, one of which is acne. The primary cause of teen acne is hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty. These hormones stimulate the oil glands in the pores to make more oil, which along with the dead skin cells can clog the pores making a favorable atmosphere for bacterial proliferation. The bacterial growth then stimulates the body to mount an immune response creating redness, inflammation and pus formation causing the dreaded pimple.
The healthy skin care regimen for teens is aimed at decreasing oil, exfoliating the skin, moisturizing and decreasing inflammation and bacteria.
Recommended daily facial care for teen acne:
- Gently wash your face twice a day. In the morning wash with a gentle non-soap cleanser and then apply a moisturizer that says non-comedogenic. Also use a sunblock with a minimum SPF of 30.
- At bedtime wash with a cleanser containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and apply moisturizer.
- Spot treatment: apply 2% salicylic/glycolic acid containing cream/serum on acne spots at bedtime.
Other medical interventions may be helpful, such as chemical peels, acne facials and laser treatments. Assessing internal factors is also key to improvement and your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic course for your acne. With the combination of topical and in-office treatments, teen acne can be managed and long-term effects may be avoided.
When treating teen acne it is important to consider medical intervention as early as possible to prevent worsening and permanent scarring. If scarring has already occurred then laser treatments are extremely beneficial at minimizing the depth and severity of scarring.
