Causes And Treatments For Teenage Acne

Teenage acne is a term for acne in teenagers that is often triggered by hormonal changes during puberty, causing the skin to become much oilier. With the right treatments and guidance, this type of acne can be controlled.

Causes Of Teenage Acne

Nearly 85% of teenagers suffer from acne. That’s not a small percentage. So if you are dealing with breakouts, you are not alone. But what is the root cause of teenage acne? In most cases, it is triggered by hormonal changes. The science shows that genetics may also play a role; if your parents had acne, you may be more likely to develop it too.

During puberty, your body begins producing more hormones called androgens. One of the most commonly known is testosterone. Androgens have many effects on the body: in both boys and girls, they stimulate the growth of body hair and increase muscle and bone mass. In boys, higher levels of androgens also cause the voice to “break” and facial hair to grow.

As for the effects of androgens on the skin, these hormones communicate directly with the sebaceous (oil) glands, telling them to produce lots of oil. As a result, during puberty, the face, and often the back, becomes oilier. When there is too much oil, the skin’s pores may become blocked with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. From here, different types of blemishes can form, ranging from blackheads to pustules to deep, painful cysts.

How To Treat Teenage Acne

If you are worried about your teenage acne and are looking for a solution, the best recommendation is to consult with a dermatologist for the best course of treatment for your skin. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter treatments formulated with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or adapalene (a topical retinoid).

In more severe cases, you may be prescribed an oral antibiotic. And for very severe and resistant acne, your dermatologist may suggest treatment with Isotretinoin. Regardless of your form of treatment, dermatologists emphasise that regular follow-up and compliance (which means sticking to the treatment) are the keys to success.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to acne. So in addition to topical and oral acne treatments, your dermatologist can perform in-office treatments to help manage your acne. These include:

• Chemical Peels: During this procedure, your doctor will apply a chemical solution featuring a high-concentration of ingredients such as salicylic acid. This solution rapidly exfoliates your skin, allowing dead skin cells to shed more easily. It also creates a controlled injury to the skin, revealing new, healthy skin cells underneath.
• Extraction: In cases of non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads, your dermatologist may use special sterile tools to remove the contents of a pimple manually.
• Light Therapy: C. Acnes bacteria is often linked with the development of acne. This bacteria can be killed with certain types of light. Most often blue or red light is used, but your dermatologist will determine which treatment is most effective for you.

It is very important that these treatments are administered by a licensed skin care professional to avoid the possibility of scarring, pigmentation, or other skin damage. They should not be performed at home.

Because many of these in-office treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight, a broad-spectrum face sunscreen should be used daily. Look for formulas such as Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60, which are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Additional Skincare Tips To Treat & Prevent Teenage Acne

A good skincare routine is vital for oily and acne-prone skin. Here are some tips to help keep your acne under control:

• Cleanse Daily: Use gentle cleansing products formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. Look for natural ingredients such as Rose, Green Tea, and Tea Tree.
• Avoid harsh scrubs: Acne-prone skin needs to be treated gently. Using harsh exfoliating scrubs may trigger redness and inflammation.
• Moisturise: If you have acne-prone skin, you may be tempted to skip using a moisturiser. However, many acne treatments are formulated with exfoliating ingredients that can have a drying effect on the skin. When your skin does not receive enough moisturising, it may start to produce even more oil. If you are looking to offset these effects, opt for moisturising products that replenish moisture and help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Products like Kanda’s range of Facial Oils, Body Oils, and Body Balms contain dry oils that don’t clog the skin or leave an oily finish.
• Be Patient: Acne treatments can take at least 6-8 weeks before they begin to work. During the early weeks of starting an acne treatment, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal). Continue with your treatment as directed unless you get irritation that becomes severe.
• Makeup is okay to use: However, opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. It is also important that you remove makeup using a gentle cleanser before going to bed.
• Wear Sunscreen Every Day: Many acne treatments can cause skin to be more photosensitive. As a result, a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen should be applied daily to protect your skin.
• Consult with a dermatologist: If over-the-counter skin care products aren’t providing you with the results you’re looking for, consult with a dermatologist. They can help develop a personalised treatment plan for your unique skin needs.

Remember, however severe your teenage acne is, there are effective acne treatments for teenagers out there. The key is to get professional advice from a Dermatologist and stick to your recommended treatment.