Acne can feel like the plague during the teenage years, constantly popping up right before school dances or senior pictures. As if teens aren’t feeling stressed or insecure enough, acne can make them feel bad about their appearance, even if other teens are experiencing the same problems.
Acne isn’t a rite of passage that all teens need to suffer through. You can help your teenager get rid of acne by teaching him or her about skin care or consulting a professional. Try the following techniques to help reduce the frequency and severity of your teen’s breakouts.
TRY OVER-THE-COUNTER SKIN CARE ROUTINES
Many nonprescription face washes and skin products deliver great results when used regularly and as part of a larger skin care routine. Your teen’s skin care routine should include:
- A wash with 2 percent or more salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps with blackheads and whiteheads, also called inflammatory acne. It is a gentle cleanser, so it can be used twice a day to clear away skin cells and dirt that clog pores.
- A wash with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide or lower. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that causes painful cystic acne, the kind that never develops a whitehead. Benzoyl peroxide can be harsh, irritating the skin and causing more acne. Teens should use it every other day or just once a day, depending on how sensitive their skin is.
- A chemical exfoliant. Mild chemical exfoliants can clear away dead skin cells and help make other acne treatments more effective. Mechanical exfoliants that require scrubbing can damage the skin, increasing breakouts. Teens should try a milder exfoliant first before using harsher exfoliators.
- A daily moisturizer. Moisturizers help protect the skin from becoming dry and irritated while giving skin a healthy glow. Teens with oily skin should use a light moisturizer, while teens with dry skin can go for thicker moisturizers.
Many of these products are inexpensive and available at grocery stores and pharmacies. When getting these products for your teen, emphasize the importance of using them regularly. Your teen should also use a gentle face cleanser with salicylic acid after gym class or sports to help prevent sweat and dirt buildup in the pores.
Remember that these products may take a month or two to become fully effective.
AVOID BEHAVIORS THAT ENCOURAGE ACNE
You should also talk to your teen about behaviors that may increase their likelihood of having acne. These may include:
- Popping or picking at zits frequently, which can spread bacteria and make it harder for skin to heal
- Washing skin too hard, too frequently or with products that are too harsh
- Wearing makeup that contains oils or traps oil on the skin
- Not removing makeup at the end of the day
Stress can also contribute to acne development. If teens are stressed, find ways to take a little stress off their plate by getting them a tutor to help with school, encouraging them to only participate in activities they enjoy or having them speak to a therapist who can help.
VISIT A DERMATOLOGIST
Dermatologists specialize in caring for the skin. If your teen can’t beat acne alone, dermatologists can prescribe washes, topical creams and medicines that help fight acne. These medicines might include:
- Oral contraceptives to prevent hormone-related breakouts in girls
- Spironolactone to prevent breakouts in girls
- Antibiotics to kill bacteria that causes acne
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) for the most severe acne
Each of these medicines can have side effects, so it’s important to work with your dermatologist to understand risks and benefits.
You can help teens overcome acne and feel confident about their appearance. With a little education, some reliable over-the-counter products and help from a physician, teens will have clear skin to show off in all their selfies.