Certain things happen in life that we consider inevitable. And teenagers battling with acne is one such event. Teenagers will always have this problem, but it’s especially relevant in the modern world. Today’s teenagers have grown up with social media being the norm. Every teenager cares about their Facebook posts and how they look on Instagram. So they are particularly sensitive to things like acne breakouts. As a parent, it is important to understand this. Many teens are highly embarrassed by acne breakouts. Luckily, there are many ways you can help your teenager deal with acne.
Why is Acne a Problem for Teenagers?
Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and healthy skin is vital for protecting our muscles and bones. And there is no way to hide your skin from others, so it is important for teenagers to have good skin. It is the first thing that others notice about us, and acne can make first impressions difficult. And that embarrassment can lead to many other problems in life. Many people who suffer from acne tend to be shy and less open to meeting new people. According to studies, at least 70% of teenagers suffer from acne problems, so it is an extremely common condition. It can also persist into adult life in some cases. Acne treatment is something that should be taken seriously. The earlier you deal with the problem, the better.
What is Acne?
When you are a teenager, your hormones are running wild. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, which can lead to oily skin and the chance of an acne breakout. During puberty, our hormones are especially busy. Our bodies produce one hormone in particular called androgen. This hormone stimulates sebum production, which is the major culprit when it comes to oily skin. The sebum mixes with dead skin cells, and the result is clogging of the pores. The openings that normally allow hair to grow are suddenly blocked, and this blockage of the hair follicles causes a buildup of pressure and can cause an outbreak of acne. Other things can trigger this too, such as allergies or makeup.
Types of Acne Treatment
Since there are many different types of acne, treatment will depend on the severity and type of breakout. Whiteheads are small white bumps under the skin. Blackheads are more visible, and scrubbing will not remove them. And cysts can be painful and lead to scarring. The goal of acne treatment should be to treat the breakout while also preventing further issues. You can treat mild acne with over-the-counter medications but prescription creams may be required for stubborn or severe acne. Most medications contain resorcinol and sulfur to control the outbreak of spots. Benzoyl peroxide can kill bacteria and clear the blocked pores – this is probably the most important ingredient to look for. Salicylic acid also plays a role by helping with any inflammation and lessening swelling. With dry skin, a cream is usually best. With oily skin, gel-based products work best. Once you find a product that works, follow the instructions carefully.
Start Treatment as Soon as Possible
The earlier your teenager learns how to deal with acne, the better it will be. Learning a good skincare routine will help reduce oil and shine, and this in turn will promote healthier skin. Do not wait for a major outbreak before educating your teenager. Prevention is much better than cure. Be sensitive with your approach, and make sure to be direct but not judgmental. Your teenager is dealing with many new issues, and this is just one of them. But by helping your teenager understand what causes acne, you can become a friend instead of someone pointing out the obvious. Remember, raging hormones make teenagers especially sensitive during puberty. So choosing the right approach is essential. By educating them, you can help them learn how to deal with the problem themselves. It’s better to support them rather than lecture them.
