Managing and Preventing Teen Acne

Causes of Teen Acne

Teen acne is often caused by an increase in sex hormones called androgens during puberty. Other causes include:

• Hormonal changes, such as those related to birth control pills, menstrual periods, and pregnancy, can also trigger acne.

• The excess hormones lead to overactive oil glands, enlarging them and causing the production of too much oil or sebum.

• Blocked pores occur when excess sebum and skin cells clog hair follicles, leading to various types of acne, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules.

• Cysts may form deep within pores due to blockage and inflammation, resulting in large, painful lumps beneath the skin's surface.

• External triggers include heavy face creams, cosmetics, hair dyes, and greasy hair products, which can increase pore blockage.

• Friction from clothing, especially on the back and chest, may worsen acne, as can heavy sweating during exercise and hot, humid climates.

• Stress is known to trigger increased oil production, contributing to the development of acne in teens.

Types of Acne Bumps

1. Blackheads (Open Comedones)

◦ Pores clogged with excess oil near the skin's surface

◦ The top area appears darker than the surrounding skin

2. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)

◦ Pores clogged with extra oil close and slightly bulge from the skin's surface

3. Pimples

◦ Red bumps are formed by the combination of extra oil and C. acnes bacteria

◦ Deeper pore blockage may result in the formation of pus, turning the bump into a pustule

4. Nodules and Cysts

◦ Larger and often painful pimples reach deeper layers of the skin

◦ Higher likelihood of leading to scarring

How Long Do Pimples Last?

The duration of how long pimples stay on your skin depends upon your internal health and external skin condition.

• If the teen acne is due to hormonal or cystic acne, it will go away after 1 month of embracing a healthy lifestyle.

• Normal acne, like whiteheads or bumps, will go away on its own after 1 week.

• Deep acne may take 2-3 weeks to go away. However, it may leave a mark on the skin that will take enough time to fade away.

What Can Make Acne Worse?

1. Hormones

◦ Teenage hormones increase skin oil production, leading to acne.

◦ Hormone fluctuations before menstrual periods can also trigger acne flare-ups.

2. Diet

◦ The impact of diet on acne is unclear.

◦ A balanced diet benefits overall health, while high sugar and simple carbohydrate diets may contribute to acne.

3. Skin Care Products and Cosmetics

◦ Oil-based products can cause acne by clogging pores.

◦ Water-based or "non-comedogenic" alternatives are less likely to contribute to acne.

◦ Prolonged pressure on the skin, such as tight clothing or equipment, can worsen acne in specific areas.

4. Stress

◦ Stress isn't a direct cause, but there's a link between stress and worsened acne.

◦ Research indicates that stressful school situations can exacerbate teenage acne.

◦ Mitigating stress through regular exercise, healthy sleep, and supportive relationships can help improve acne conditions.

Effective Tips to Treat Teen Acne

• Antibiotics: Get the best ointment or cream from your doctor suitable for your skin to get rid of acne.

• Improve your lifestyle: Eat healthy fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid junk, oily, spicy, or sugary foods. Unhealthy foods can trigger your internal body systems and make acne worse.

• Exercise: Walking, jogging, or any exercise will help you stay fit. This may make your skin glow.

• Eliminate stress: Engage in yoga to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. A positive mindset contributes to mental health, resulting in radiant skin and reduced cortisol levels, consequently minimising acne.

How To Treat Acne?

• Consult a dermatologist for a proper skincare routine.

• Avoid touching or picking at pimples.

• Handle pimples with care during shaving.

• Regularly clean items that come in contact with your face, such as cell phones, sports helmets, sunglasses, clothing, and pillowcases.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.