Being a teenager is no easy task. As parents, we all might daydream about going back in time with our adult collection of life experience and relive our teenage years, but would we really do it? Adolescence can be fraught with many terrifying and belittling social and physical experiences, and one of those is affectionately known as, “The Curse of the Black Pimple”. But there is help available. This article will discuss just why it is that teens are so prone to acne, what types of impacts that can have on their psyche, effective mitigation treatments, preventative care, and finally what a treatment plan from Dr. Degurse might look like for your teen. When you finish this blog, you and your teen should understand that your family is in good hands with Dr. Degurse.
Why do Teenagers get Acne?
Despite what parents may tell their children, acne is not caused from their teenagers smartphone use, or by talking back to them. Instead, it’s simple developmental and biological factors that lead to the onset of acne. Teenagers are prone to developing acne due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty. The body produces more oil, which clogs the pores and traps bacteria. These buildups lead to the development of pimples. Acne can leave scars both emotionally and physically, so it is important to treat it early.
Other factors like genetics and diet may play a role in acne outbreaks, but these factors are not typically a direct cause. One such factor that does cause acne, or an exacerbation of an existing case, is stress.
Psychological Impact of Acne on Teens
The psychological impact of acne can be severe, particularly on teenagers. It can affect a person’s self-confidence and cause them to withdraw from social activities. This can even lead to social phobia. In severe cases, acne may prevent a person from going to school as a type of avoidant behavior. Left unchecked, those behaviors can lead to prolonged phobia and anxiety disorders. There are many peer reviewed articles and studies that show the increased negative psychological imprint consistent acne can have in regards to depression and anxiety. This increase is especially stronger in girls.
Acne can affect a person’s social and family relationships. Parents may worry about their children’s appearance or whether they’ll be bullied. They may also worry about permanent scarring. Teenagers who suffer from acne often develop a negative self-image and avoid social gatherings. Teenagers may not even want to participate in sports or other extra-curriculars if they have acne on their faces. Ironically, downplaying your teens acne as “just a little thing that will pass” could cause even more anxiety. To your teen, acne is the Spanish Inquisition of adolescence so it is important to provide consistent positive support. One of the smartest things a parent or caregiver can do is to just be empathetic with your teen’s plight.
It’s unfair that not only does acne cause stress and anxiety, but the reverse is true as well. This is not what Elton John had in mind when he wrote The Circle of Life. Still, as long as you know the limitations of what science can do to help your skin, Dr. Degurse will help you teen develop practical and efficient solutions to mitigate large outbreaks, as well as discuss effective coping mechanisms as they occur.
How Do You Get Rid of Adolescent Acne?
The biggest challenge for treating acne in teenagers is lack of compliance. Instead of forcing them to apply medications or perform complicated procedures, you should stick to a simple routine. For example, keep acne medicine near your toothbrush (just don’t put it on said toothbrush). It’s important to understand that acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Sebum also attracts white blood cells, which can damage the follicle walls.
There are several over-the-counter medications that can help acne in teenagers. While these medications may temporarily improve symptoms, they can also cause side effects. For instance, topical retinoid creams can make acne worse, and oral antibiotics can cause unpleasant side effects. It is important to try several different medications and treatments to find one that works. In some cases, it takes 6 to 8 weeks before the treatment becomes effective, so it’s important to be patient. Should you decide to make an appointment with Dr. Degurse and explore acne treatment in Colorado Springs, then you can know that the products she uses have been hand-selected to reduce irritation and inflammation.
How to Prevent Acne
If you’re a parent wondering how to prevent acne in teens, there are several steps you can take to help your child. First, you can help your child manage their anxiety and stress. This will help them avoid the stress that can aggravate their condition. Teens with high levels of anxiety are more likely to get acne.
To prevent acne breakouts, teenagers should wash their face thoroughly every day. It’s especially important to do this after working out because sweat can clog pores. Use an oil-free face wash to remove oil and dirt. Avoid scrubs or face masks because they can irritate the skin and worsen acne. If your teen wears makeup, look for acne-fighting products that are noncomedogenic and free of alcohol like the ones Dr. Degurse hand selects to carry at our Colorado Springs Med Spa.
How Can a Doctor Help My Teen with Acne?
Dr. Degurse will meet with you and your teen and ask about your teenager’s history and previous acne medications, as well as the severity of the condition. Depending on the severity of your teen’s acne Dr. Degurse will likely begin a treatment for deep pore cleansing and exfoliation. Once satisfied that the pores within the tissue have been effectively cleaned, the true long-term prevention will begin. Sometimes a treatment or two will solve the short-term issue. Purchasing medical-grade skin products and incorporating them into your teen’s skin routine will be important. But ultimately how many sessions and treatments depend upon you and your teen’s need.
It should be noted that acne is not just a teenage problem. It can subsist well into our adult years. That may come in the form of continued acne or acne scarring. Both are treatable at Pearl Skin & Body, but the sooner they are identified, the less power they will have into adulthood.
There is no one-size fits all approach for acne. Each individual will be different and unique. But the good news is that you are in caring and knowledgeable hands. Pearl Skin & Body Rejuvenation may be a Colorado Springs Med Spa, but we are also a physician-run clinic that is not only here for Band-Aids and quick fix’s. No, Pearl exists so that we can help you feel your best self by creating repeatable successful behaviors that carry you well past a simple single treatment.
Interested in discussing your skin concerns with Dr. Degurse, just click the below link to book a free consultation.
