TEENAGE ACNE- WHY WE GET IT AND HOW TO MANAGE IT

In this era, where having clear, glowing skin is a standard of beauty, acne is not a good thing to happen to anyone. Although it is a hallmark of youth. It usually occurs at the peak time when we want to look the best of us as we get more socially active at that time. About 85% of teenagers go through a phase of acne, an age marked from 12 to 25 worldwide.

It is a skin condition that has more psychological effects than physical ones. As a parent, you must be aware of the fact that your teen is already having a bad time handling acne. You must be attentive to their needs, and help them in managing the mental distress due to acne. Acne in teenagers is common enough that people consider it normal but only the person suffering from it knows how it affects their personality and confidence.

What Is Acne?

Simply put together, acne is a skin condition that appears in the form of bumps on certain areas of the body. Usually occurs on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. It seems to happen in different types;

·       Whiteheads

·       Blackheads

·       Nodules (pimples)

·       Pustules (bumps that are filled with pus/fluid)

·       Papules

·       Cysts

The severity may vary according to certain conditions.

What Is the Cause of Teenage Acne?

Acne initiates due to hormonal changes. Hormones named Androgens start to increase upon reaching a certain age. As a result, the excess of hormones causes oil glands to be hyperactive which produces excess oil or sebum resulting in clogged pores. Due to clogged pores, dead cells start to accumulate and bacterial growth starts. This leads to inflammation in the pores.

Other causes of teenage acne can be your skincare routine, lifestyle and genetics. Yes, if any of your parents had acne then chances are that you might get it too. Diet does affect your skin condition as it is a part of your body but it doesn’t mean that you have to be too restrictive with it.

Can Acne Be Prevented?

There is no surety in the prevention of acne, however, a person can reduce its severity. Some points to keep in mind are:

·       Wash Your Skin:

Keep your skin clean, wash it with mild soap. Using lukewarm water is better as hot water can irritate the skin while cold water can dry it out.

·       Find The Right Products:

Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Nowadays it is easy to find products that don’t clog your pores, use those products only. They are called “noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic”.

·       Makeup Care:

Make sure to get makeup with a water base or labelled as “oil-free”.

·       Do Not Do Harsh Scrubbing:

It is not recommended to scrub acne-prone skin as it will only result in skin irritation.

·       Do Not Pick:

Picking and frequent touching of the affected area can only cause its sebum to spread over.

·       Use Sunscreen:

Never go out in sun in search of a tan with acne over the face. Put sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on the exposed areas.

·       Wear Loose Clothes:

In case of acne on either shoulder, back or chest, wear loose clothing. Skin-fit clothes can cause friction that will irritate the skin and spread acne.

·       Manage Stress:

Getting stressed over the problem will not bring good. Instead, it will only worsen your acne. Try to manage your stress, it is okay to have acne, you can treat it to get rid of it. Do not lose yourself over this condition.

How Can I Treat Acne?

Treatment of teenage acne depends on its severity. For early-stage acne, over-the-counter (OTC) or topical treatments are good to go. These OTC products are available in many forms such as gels, creams, lotions, and soaps. You put them on the skin only, they are not pills or tablets. They can include Salicylic Acid, Acetic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulphur, and Retinoids.

Other treatments include oral prescriptions and advanced methods that are getting popular these days. Intake of antibiotics helps to reduce inflammation; the period of their usage may vary but a person should continue it as long as the dermatologist advises.

Advanced treatment of teenage acne is for serious conditions. They need to be done under senior and professional’s supervision. These treatments include Dermabrasion, Laser Resurfacing, and Fractional Laser Therapy.

 Lastly, do not forget the saying “you are what you eat” because it’s quite true! However, it does not necessarily mean that you have to be restrictive with everything. There are certain foods that acne-causing bacteria also enjoy, they are food with high glycemic index and high glycemic load. These foods include refined grains and sugars, dairy products, fast food, and foods rich in omega-6 fats. However, there is much food to opt for to keep that acne at bay. This category includes whole grains, legumes, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, the mineral zinc, vitamins A and E, and chemicals called antioxidants.

Conclusion:

If we look, acne is just a skin condition. Perhaps, it should be treated appropriately. A person having acne and the one handling it should be aware of the correct type and the accurate prescriptions. Moreover, whether we are facing acne or not, we must maintain a healthy lifestyle to have the clear skin that each of us wishes for!