Effective Acne Treatments for Teenagers
Acne affects virtually all teenagers at one point or another, to
varying degrees. Teen acne is hereditary and is brought on by
hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth
control pills, or stress; oily hair and skin products; certain
drugs such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin;
and high levels of humidity or sweating. While acne attacks boys
and girls alike, it is worse in boys because they produce more
skin oils. However, girls are more likely to seek out a
dermatologist. Either way, fear not: everywhere you look, there
is another teen acne treatment to be found.
There are many over-the-counter acne treatments for teenagers to
unblock pores, reduce bacteria and dry out pimples. They contain
benzoyl peroxide (such as Neutrogena On-The-Spot) or salicylic
acid (such as Stri-dex). For more effective yet harsher
treatment, there is sulfur or resorcinol (such as Clearasil
Adult Care). Acne responds best when treated early.
All acne treatments work by preventing new breakouts, and must
be used over a period of weeks or months. Even if you begin to
see improvement, continue treatment. Follow the directions on
the package or as prescribed by your dermatologist.
Even more numerous than over-the-counter medications are
prescription drugs and topicals that curb oil build-up, skin
cell shedding and bacteria growth - all while drying and peeling
away old acne and stimulating healthy skin growth. In cases of
unresponsive or severe acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be
used. Talk to your dermatologist to find out what is appropriate
for your case of acne.
To avoid scarring, you should never pick or squeeze acne,
especially inflammatory acne or "pustules". Squeezing forces
infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional
inflammation and possible scarring. Also, avoid scrubbing your
skin. If you do get scars, acne scar treatment is available in
many forms.