How to deal with teenage acne

Being a teen is hard enough as it is, but it’s made even tougher by unwelcoming breakouts of acne. Spots have been around since the beginning of time, with acne remaining one of the most common skin diseases in the world. For some teens, the emotional damage caused by acne can be unbearable, so it is important that parents try different things to help boost their child’s confidence.

What are the causes?

For too long, people believed that acne was caused by poor diet, lack of exercise and even on bad hygiene. However, these are not the main causes of acne so banning chocolates or encouraging frequent washing will not fix the problem. Research shows that acne is caused by a combination of factors. The male hormones present in both men and women over-stimulate the oil-producing glands in the skin which can cause the skin’s surface to clog up pores. This forms a blockage and causes bacteria on the skin to multiply.

It is vital to treat acne as soon as you can as it can cause permanent scarring.

How common is acne?

Acne is very common among teenagers and letting them know that they are not alone may help their self esteem. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Megan Fox suffered from it and both are now celebrated for their beauty.

How you can help

Don’t be dismissive with your teen’s feelings as acne can have a huge impact on how they function socially.  Parents should let their children know that they are loved. Kiss them on their face and encourage other siblings to do the same.

Is it treatable?

Acne is treatable but unfortunately there are no instant cures. Over-the-counter treatments can take up to eight weeks before an acne sufferer begins to see results. Your teen’s GP will be able to advise you on suitable products or write up a prescription for stronger medication. For example, the contraceptive pill will help to reduce the effect of male hormones in girls and creams with retinoids can unblock blackheads meaning inflammation won’t be able to set in.