How To Handle Acne For Teens And Kids

IN THIS ARTICLE:

01 What Is Acne?
02 What Causes Acne?
03 Acne Treatments For Teens And Kids
04 How Dermatologists Treat Acne Prone Skin
05 Tips For Handling Teen Acne

Originally published on November 5, 2021. Last updated on December 12, 2023

Dealing with acne can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you are already navigating the rollercoaster of hormones and self-discovery. Pimple breakouts can really take a toll on someone's confidence, making one feel self-conscious and even embarrassed.

When it comes to choosing an acne treatment, it's all about understanding your skin. As your skin goes through changes and transformations, it's important to find a treatment that meets its evolving needs.

1. What is Acne?

Its cause is quite simple. Acne manifests when hair follicles get clogged due to a blend of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This obstruction triggers inflammation within the pores, ultimately leading to the emergence of pimples.

Acne got you feeling a bit 'ugh'? You are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. Whether it's due to shifting hormones, genetics, stress, or even certain medications, acne is a common concern faced by many.

2. What causes Acne?

The usual triggers behind those annoying breakouts:

Hormonal changes - during puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations play a significant role. These fluctuations trigger an overproduction of sebum an oily substance notorious for clogging pores and sparking acne flare-ups.
Bacterial Overgrowth - There's a bacterium called P. acnes that usually lives on your skin. When it grows too much, it can create inflammation and result in those red, inflamed pimples known as inflammatory acne.
Clogged hair follicles - When dead skin cells and sebum mix up, they can clog hair follicles, creating a perfect spot for bacteria to thrive and causing acne to appear.
Genetics - Acne can run in the family. If your parents or close relatives had acne troubles, there's a higher chance you might face it too.

3. Acne Treatments for teens and kids

Managing acne doesn't have to be a daunting task. It’s possible to take charge right from the comfort of your own home. With a trip to the drug store, you can easily access over-the-counter solutions.

Here are some accessible treatments to fight acne:

Face washes - look for face washes with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and helps remove excess oil from pores, while salicylic acid is great for exfoliating and unclogging blocked pores.
Gels and creams for pimples - topical gels and creams are often recommended for spot treating pimples. These products typically contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Acne targeting devices - blue LED light therapy devices such as the Blue LED+ and LumaGlow Blue, emit a specific wavelength of blue light that targets acne. These can be used in combination with other treatments for more effective results.
Pimple-fighting gadgets - there's a cool tool known as the high-frequency wand, aka the "zit zapper." It's a handheld device that uses a bit of electricity to treat single pimples. The Faisca Argon high-frequency wand reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, and helps pimples heal faster.

4. How dermatologists treat acne prone skin?

Seeking advice from professionals is a wise choice too. Prior to your dermatologist appointment, it's beneficial to understand the valuable insights they can provide. Discover some of the common treatments they use to fight acne and help you get that clearer skin:

Topical medications - dermatologists often prescribe topical medications such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics. These medications can be applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, unclog pores, and promote skin cell turnover.
Oral medications - in more severe cases, they may prescribe oral medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control pills), or isotretinoin. These medications target the underlying causes of acne and help reduce breakouts.
Procedures - procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy to improve acne-prone skin can be done in-clinic. These treatments help exfoliate the skin, reduce oil production, and promote skin rejuvenation.
Lifestyle guidance - experts often provide advice on lifestyle changes, including skincare routines, dietary modifications, stress management, and avoiding certain skincare products or makeup that may aggravate acne.

5. Tips for handling teen acne

By incorporating a few straightforward lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly transform your skin and keep acne at bay.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine

Show your skin the love it deserves with a dependable skincare regimen. Start by cleansing your face twice a day to wash away impurities and keep your skin fresh. Begin by cleansing your face twice daily to banish impurities and maintain that fresh, radiant glow. And, of course, don't skip the moisturizer—keeping your skin hydrated and nourished is a must.

Face Touching

Recall the pandemic era when experts emphasized the significance of hands-off faces? Well, it's not just about health—it's about maintaining clear skin too.

Shower After Workouts

After a satisfying workout session, your skin deserves a bit of post-exercise pampering. Sweat and grime tend to find their way into your pores, potentially triggering acne, even on your back and chest!

Cultivate the routine of stepping into the shower right after your workout, ideally immediately, to cleanse your skin of these impurities and keep breakouts at bay. Your skin will thank you for this simple, yet effective, practice.

Keep Things Clean

It's time to embrace the habit of regularly changing your pillowcases and towels. It might seem like a small change, but these personal items tend to collect oil, dirt, and bacteria, all of which can conspire to trigger those pesky pimple breakouts. By frequently swapping them out for fresh, clean replacements, you're crafting a healthier, more skin-friendly environment that promotes a clearer complexion.

Manage and Reduce Stress

It's essential to adopt healthy stress management techniques to keep those breakouts in check. Consider integrating regular exercise, deep breathing, or meditation into your routine and prioritize getting sufficient sleep.

Make it a mission to include physical activity in your daily life. Whether it's a brisk run, a gym session, or a serene yoga practice, discover an activity that empowers you to release tension and diminish stress levels, ultimately promoting clearer, calmer skin.

written by Olivia Khader