While there are many perks to puberty, teenage acne is decidedly not one of them. Not only is it uncomfortable and painful, but teen acne can leave both physical and emotional scars. During your important developmental years, this is definitely something you’d wish to avoid. Acne is a common side effect of going through puberty and can last well into adulthood when not treated properly. So if you’re interested in why you get teen acne and how to get rid of it, keep reading.
Why teens get acne
As its name indicates, teenage acne often starts during a person’s adolescent years (most commonly between 13 to 15 years old). You might be thinking, “But why me? And why now?” The truth is, you likely didn’t do anything wrong and you definitely don’t deserve teen acne. It wasn’t just because you wore makeup to bed that one time, or because you got a bit of pizza grease on your cheek.
The main culprit of your acne woes is a change in sex hormones. During puberty, the body will produce more androgens than you’re used to, creating a spike in the skin’s glandular activity. It then stimulates the production of sebum oil, and combined with dead skin cells and hair in follicles – it makes a recipe for buildup, inflammation and pressure! These spots will rupture and turn into pustules filled with fluid (A.K.A. acne pimples).
While fluctuating hormones throughout puberty are the most common cause of teen acne, there are several other potential contributors and causes. Among them are:
- Genetics – If your parents suffered from teen acne, yours could be related to genetics.
- Cosmetics – If your skin is oily, you will want to avoid oil-based makeup. Mineral-based products are often a better option for people with acne.
- Medication – Certain medications can lead to negative side effects like teen acne.
- Pregnancy – It can cause a drastic change in sex hormones.
- Stress – This can have an effect on your hormones, leading to an increased risk of acne.
- Medical conditions – Certain conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can cause acne.
If you’re um-ing and ah-ing about the cause of your acne, it’s recommended that you seek out professional cosmetics help to find the root of your condition.
Unfortunately, severe teen acne can leave scars when not treated properly. Acne pimples and redness appear on more than just the face, many young people will experience it on their neck, back, chest and shoulders too. This can understandably be quite distressing for a teenager when self-confidence is already a daily challenge.
Does teenage acne go away
Now for the good news… yes, teenage acne can go away. For a few lucky people, their acne will stop after puberty without any intervention (though they may be left with a few scars). This is more common for those who have very mild acne. In the case of most teenagers, professional intervention is required to manage, treat and get rid of the acne.
What you can do about acne
As we are all different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to healing acne. So in order to see real results, it’s recommended that you seek out a treatment care plan developed by a professional for your specific needs. This is particularly important for those who have moderate to severe acne, as home therapies will rarely make a difference.
A skin professional may focus on:
- Diet and lifestyle
- Special face washes (such as those containing benzoyl peroxide and AHAs)
- Medication such as antibiotics.
Here at Azure Medical + Cosmetics, the Cosmetic Nurses and Doctors often complement these acne treatments with other therapies, including Omnilux light therapy, Hydrafacials, Jan Marini skin products and medical laser therapy, to achieve amazing results.
Tips to prevent acne and control breakouts
If you’re looking for changes that you can start implementing today to prevent acne and control breakouts, here are a few tips:
- Wash your face and neck twice a day with a suitable cleanser (remember to moisturise after!)
- Avoid popping pimples, as this can spread the bacteria and make your acne worse
- Clean your reusable face mask regularly
- Be SunSmart by avoiding extensive sun exposure and only use sunscreens which don’t clog up your pores
- Only use clean materials and objects on your skin
- Manage oils spreading to your skin by keeping your hair clean and away from the area of concern
- Implement stress-reduction techniques.
Azure Medical + Cosmetics have teen packages available to kickstart your acne treatment journey and ultimately, skin recovery. The cosmetic nurses also offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific needs.
