5 Skin Care Tips for Your Teen's Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people, many of them teens. In addition to its physical symptoms, acne can have devastating emotional impacts, taking a huge toll on a teen’s self-confidence and self-esteem. 

The key to managing acne and preventing breakouts is to begin an acne treatment plan as soon as possible — and that’s where the team at One World Pediatrics can help. In this post, Jag Ambwani, MD, FAAP, Dolly Ubhrani, MD, April Mieswinkel, NP, Richard Lam, FNP, Gabrielle Yates, CPNP-PC, and Audrey M. Merrill, MD, reveal five skin care tips that can help your teen manage their acne and enjoy clearer skin.

1. Encourage a gentle care routine

Acne is caused by bacteria that live in the skin's pores, consuming excess oil and dead skin cells. As they grow and multiply, they cause an infection and trigger inflammation, leading to pimples and pustules.

It’s natural to think you can reduce breakouts by cleaning skin extra thoroughly, scrubbing away extra oil and debris to deprive bacteria of its food sources. But actually, scrubbing and harsh skincare products can exacerbate acne, triggering skin to produce more oil to maintain its protective barrier.

To help reduce breakouts, encourage your child to use gentle products designed for acne-prone skin, and to cleanse using gentle motions, not rubbing or scrubbing. If your child uses makeup, look for products that are noncomedogenic, and gently remove all traces of makeup before bed. Follow up with a moisturizer designed for your child’s skin type — oily, dry, or combination.

2. Tell them not to pick or pop

It can be very tempting to pop pimples to release the pus inside, but actually, picking and popping is bad for acne — and bad for your skin overall. Picking and popping can lead to scarring, and it also increases the risk of infection.

Worse, picking at pimples could cause the infection inside the pores to spread, causing pimples in other areas, too. A better solution: Use a topical product designed to dry up pimples and destroy bacteria. Over-the-counter products are available, and for more stubborn acne, we can prescribe stronger products, too.

3. Help them make smart food choices

Food may not directly cause acne, but it can contribute to it in part by promoting inflammation. Highly processed foods, refined carbs, and sugars are all associated with increased inflammation, including inflammation associated with acne. Replace unhealthy foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with healthy fats and whole grains. 

Make sure your child drinks plenty of water, too. Proper hydration helps skin stay moist while flushing away toxins that can lead to inflammation and irritation. Skip the sugar-laden energy drinks and sports beverages, and let your child choose a water bottle to carry with them to school and sports activities.

4. Prioritize stress management

Stress may not cause acne directly, but it can definitely make it worse. When we’re stressed, we release hormones, like cortisol, that can increase oil production and inflammatory reactions in our skin. Learning to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or by simply taking time to enjoy a relaxing activity each day can go a long way toward keeping stress under control.

Getting regular exercise and adequate sleep are also critical for managing stress and for keeping skin healthy in general. Both exercise and sleep help keep stress under control while reducing inflammation and helping your skin heal. Exercise also increases circulation to the skin, helping rid it of toxins while providing it with plenty of oxygen and nutrients.

5. Seek professional treatment early

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to acne management, with an array of treatments focused on the underlying causes of the condition. Depending on your teen’s needs, we may recommend topical products, oral medications, or other therapies, like laser treatment or chemical peels designed to destroy bacteria and unclog pores. 

Because acne is a chronic condition, it requires ongoing management to keep it under control. Regular office visits ensure your child’s treatment plan stays on track and evolves with their changing needs for maximum benefits.

Personalizing your teen’s acne management plan

Acne is common among teens, and it can last into the adult years, too. Establishing a regular care routine helps manage acne, and ongoing checkups ensure your teen’s treatment stays on track with their evolving needs.

To learn more about acne management, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, today.