If your son or daughter suffers from teen acne, they’re not alone. Studies show that nearly all teens have battled chronic or periodic acne. It’s a problem that strikes equally among girls, boys and all ethnicities, making it a matter of universal concern. What’s more, it isn’t just a cosmetic problem. The psychological scars left by teen acne can be just as disfiguring as the facial scars.
Causes
Between 10 and 13 is the age at which acne usually appears. This is the time when the approach of puberty triggers the release of an onslaught of hormones that jumpstart the oil glands. The oils released block pores, and this blockage leads to the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and pustules (pimples). Still acne is aggravated by stress, and there’s nothing more stressful than being a teenager with acne.
Treatments
Yes, doctors often prescribe such antibiotics as tetracycline and doxycycline to treat acne, but for maximum results, antibiotics should be supported by professional, dermatological-grade skin care and therapeutic home care.
Look for a medical spa that offers a range of protocols to treat the condition from both the outside in and the inside out. Based on severity, age and skin type, these will include a regimen of Anti-Acne Teen Facials designed to unclog pores, extract blackheads, remove oil, and nourish the skin. Also effective are Chemical Peels, Medical-Grade Acne Peels, and Intense Pulse Light IPL treatments that kill acne-causing bacteria and control the over-production of oil.
Home Care
1) Ask your medical practitioner about the best, pharmaceutical-grade products to use to keep the skin oil-free while killing the bacteria that promotes outbreaks.
2) Keep the skin clean but avoid harsh scrubbing, which will only aggravate the problem.
3) Eat a well-balanced diet low in sugar and fats.
4) Drink lots and lots of water to flush out acne-causing bacteria and toxins.
