Acne is a common condition and a normal part of growing up. Around 85% of people experience acne during their teens. However, it can be a huge nuisance for some people. Treating acne can boost self-esteem and it helps build life skills around self-care. Here are some of the best acne treatments for teenagers in Northern Virginia.
Why Should I Treat Acne?
If acne is so common, why should I worry about treatment? Good question. While acne is a normal part of puberty, it can be uncomfortable to deal with. In some cases, it can even be severe for some patients. This increases their risk for scarring and permanent damage. For others, it can have huge impacts on their confidence and self-esteem. Either way, there are things that every teen can do to help prevent and treat acne. Here’s what you should know.
Acne Causes
This condition can affect many places on the body, including the face, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and even the butt. Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles (pores) in the skin. Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to an increase in acne.
Increased hormones mean higher levels of oil production. This can lead to more clogged pores. Then, bacteria get trapped in these pores and start multiplying. This causes redness and irritation.
Different Types of Acne Bumps
There are four main types of acne bumps. These include:
- These are pores that get clogged up with extra oil. They stay close to the skin’s surface and have a darker top than the surrounding skin.
- These are clogged pores that close and bulge out slightly from the skin’s surface.
- These are the red bumps that form when the extra oil and bacteria combine to clog pores more deeply in the skin. Often the bacteria create pus and red bumps becomes a pustule.
- Nodules and Cysts. These larger and more painful pimples extend to the deeper layers of the skin. These are also the most likely to lead to scarring.
Preventing Acne
One of the best things a teen can do is stick to a skin care routine that helps prevent acne.
- Wash the skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
- After washing, apply a small amount of topical adapalene. This helps unclog pores and prevent new breakouts.
- Avoid gritty soaps and scrubs. Scrubbing the skin with rough cloths or brushes can irritate the skin.
- Do not pinch, pop, or pick at pimples. This can make acne worse and lead to more infections and scarring.
- Avoid excessive amounts of cosmetics. This can lead to clogged pores and worsen acne.
- Shampoo hair daily, especially if he/she has oily hair or problems around the hairline.
- Shower after sweaty activities.
- Regularly clean things that touch the face, like cell phones, sunglasses, pillowcases, sports helmets, and makeup brushes.
- Help your teen with stress management. Stress and anxiety trigger cortisol production which leads to more oil production and more acne.
- Treat acne early. Early treatment is the key to preventing severe acne in adult years and reducing scarring.
Treating in Acne in Teens
Treating acne in teens comes down to pinpointing the cause of the acne. In teens, it’s often due to the increased oil production. So, the best acne treatment for teenagers in Northern Virginia are aimed this.
There are plenty of over-the-counter products that can help reduce acne. Look for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (it kills the bacteria that cause acne), salicylic acid (helps remove dead skin), and retinoids like adapalene (unclogs pores).
When over the counter products aren’t enough, it’s time to speak to your dermatologist. Some teens may need more aggressive treatment. This can include oral antibiotics, oral retinoids like isotretinoin, and hormonal birth controls pills. We also recommend the HydraFacial for acne reduction.
[Related: Accutane Alternatives]
Best Acne Treatments for Teenagers in Northern Virginia
If your teen is struggling with acne and over-the-counter products aren’t helping, it’s best to see a dermatologist. Remember, starting treatment sooner rather than later is important. At Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center we can create a customized treatment plan to help your teen reduce breakouts and improve their acne. Contact us today to learn more.