Being a teenager can be tough. There is so much pressure placed on kids these days; social, emotional and academic, just to name a few. So imagine having all these pressures, and then experiencing low self confidence at the same time because of your teen acne. Acne is horrible at any age, but when you are in those years where all you want to do is fit in and not stand out, it can be very debilitating.
Why do teens suffer from acne?
All over the skin, particularly in the areas most prone to spots, are thousands of sebaceous glands which produce an oily substance called ‘sebum’. These glands tend to become overactive in teenagers with hormonal surges. Sebum usually keeps the skin soft and supple. When too much of it is produced, it blocks the tiny holes at the base of the fine hairs on our skin. These blocked holes trap bacteria, which then begin to multiply, producing toxic chemicals that turn the skin red.
As the bacteria continues to grow, pressure in the pore causes the walls of the hole to get thinner. Eventually the spot bursts and the bacteria and sebum are ejected onto the skin surface as a small dot of whitish pus.
While we cannot stop the function of the sebaceous glands, we can assist in stabilising our hormones. We do this by maintaining good gut health, staying active and having good personal hygiene. This will decrease the likelihood of bacteria turning toxic.
While teen acne typically appears on the face, it is also common on the neck, back, and chest. Boys are more susceptible to breakouts as Testosterone increases acne, while Estrogen suppresses it.
But before you rush out and buy your teen skincare products, there are a few things to understand first:
What kind of teen acne do they have?
- Blackheads – congested pores, usually around the nose. When bacteria is trapped in the pore but there is no inflammation.
- Whiteheads – the same as blackheads but have a film of skin over the top and there may be some inflammation.
- Cystic Acne – large lumps deep under the skin that are red and painful. Often the hardest type of acne to clear up, cystic acne, if left untreated, can result in pitted, uneven skin.
One of the first things to look at when treating teen acne, is lifestyle. Here are some tips that if followed, will give some improvement:
- Keep bed linen clean and changed regularly, especially pillow cases. Bacteria can live in the cotton, further spreading the acne.
- Maintain good personal hygiene. Showering daily and washing hair. This will avoid oil from unwashed hair making its way onto the skin.
- Maintaining a healthy diet with limited processed foods, sugary drinks and drinking at least 2 litres of water per day.
- Exercise allows your body to function as it should. It is also an excellent mood booster!
- Avoid picking! This spreads bacteria and causes trauma to the dermis, allowing for scarring.
- If skin is dehydrated, excess sebum is produced to compensate, further exacerbating the problem
Once your teen understands the importance of good personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices, you can look at purchasing some good skincare. Depending on the type of teen acne and the severity, there are different products there to help.
Normal Skin – Few Breakouts – Blackheads/Congestion
This type of acne is relatively easy to clear up and requires basic products.
The Aspect Starter Kit contains a cleanser, Vitamin C, exfoliating serum and a moisturiser. If used morning and night, skin should start to look much healthier in a short space of time.
Regular Breakouts – Oily Skin – Blackheads/Congestion
This type of acne will clear up, but it will take a little longer.
Osmosis MD Purify Cleanser, Osmosis MD Rescue Serum (a must), Osmosis MD Calm Vitamin A Serum (only used nightly) and Osmosis MD Quench moisturiser. Morning and night.
Cystic Acne – Large Deep Lumps – Many Breakouts
Cystic acne is usually found on those with thick, oily skin. Quite a common acne, especially in males. This acne will take the longest to clear up, but left untreated, skin will become scarred and pitted with a dull appearance.
Societe Clear Skin Essentials Kit along with Societe Blemish Clarifying Complex is amazing in getting results. These products work to gently exfoliate away the thickened skin, allowing bacteria to be removed. Adding in Osmosis MD Rescue will also speed up recovery.
With anything requiring change, consistency is the key. Making sure your teen is compliant in their skin care is really what’s going to be the difference and actually showing them how to use it. Spending money on good skin care (not supermarket brands) is imperative. The last thing you need to put on top of acne is the toxic chemicals found in so many inferior brands. Although the initial outlay can be expensive, you will see a difference in not only your teens skin, but in their self-confidence too.
The Little Kids
If you have a younger child, the best thing you can do is to get them into a good routine with washing their face. All you need is a clean face cloth and warm water. Washing their face everyday after school or before bed creates a routine that will be embedded into their brain. So that when they are older, washing away the days grime is just second nature to them.
Still not sure?
If you need more help or would like personalised advice on what skincare products are best for you, book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Or fill in the Online Skin Consultation, and our skin care advisor will happily help you to choose the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
Check out our latest Specials!
Leave a Reply