If have a child that is a teenager, chances are pretty high that they have had some concerns about acne.  Acne is a common problem for this age group and sometimes lingers on even as an adult. Getting rid of acne requires holistic change, but with the right lifestyle and teenage acne treatments, there is a solution!

What Causes Teenage Acne and Skin Breakouts?

There are several factors that contribute to acne lesions, including hormones and diet. Androgen hormones increase during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum which can block the pores. Certain foods such as dairy products or carbohydrate-rich food like sweets, pasta, and breads, may also trigger teenage acne.

How to Get Rid of Teenage Acne: The skincare experts at Essex Med Spa share these practical tips to prevent teenage acne from forming and treat skin breakouts:

• First, do NOT pick or squeeze pimples.  This increases the time it takes to heal and will promote discoloration after the breakout has cleared.
• Avoid touching the face with fingers and hands. The oil and dirt on your hands can worsen the acne.
• Cleanse the face with a gentle cleanser and warm water once or twice a day. Do NOT scrub the skin or use abrasive exfoliants as this irritates it and can make the acne worse.
• Use a Clarisonic brush or other gentle brush for more thorough cleansing a few days each week.
• Avoid wearing hats and keep hair pulled back from the face as much as possible. Girls can wear their hair back in a headband or ponytail while sleeping to prevent the oil from their hair from getting on their skin.
• If you have oily hair, wash it regularly.
• Wear sunblock daily that is oil-free or non-comedogenic.  Sun block helps prevent discoloration and scarring that can occur after the skin gets inflamed from acne lesions.
• Only use makeup that is oil-free or non-comedogenic.

Best Teenage Acne Treatments

If your teenager still has skin breakouts after applying these basic skincare tips, treatments that target acne specifically might be needed. These include:

• Morpheus8: This facial breaks up cysts and dries up the sebaceous gland, so it’s ideal for cystic acne and acne scars.
• Chemical peel: A chemical peel removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. This is an ideal teenage acne treatment for all skin types.
• Microdermabrasion: This treatment uses a special device to exfoliate the skin, helping reduce the appearance of acne scars and improving skin texture.

If you still have questions, your skin care specialist at Essex can put together a skin care regimen designed specifically for your teen.  Everyone is unique and so is facial skin! Help your teenager take control of their skin!