WHAT CAUSES TEENAGE ACNE test?
Did you know that nearly 80% of teenagers suffer from acne: That’s the vast majority! If you are dealing with spots issues, you are most certainly not alone. But what is the root cause of teenage acne? Well, it’s all about puberty and the associated hormonal changes our bodies experience.
Click HERE for an overview of hormonal acne and pre-menstrual acne.
At puberty, our sex organs (testes in boys and ovaries in girls) start producing different hormones. One group of hormones is called androgens, and its most famous member is testosterone. Androgens have many effects on the body: In both boys and girls, they stimulate the growth of body hair and increase muscle and bone mass. In boys, the higher levels of androgens also cause the voice to “break” and facial hair to grow.
As for the effects of androgens on skin, they communicate directly with the sebaceous gland, telling it to produce lots of oil. As a result, during puberty, the face, and often the back, become oily and the skin’s pores become blocked with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. From here, different types of spot can form ranging from blackheads to pustules to deep, painful cysts.
For full information on oily skin, acne and the different types of spots, click HERE.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE
FOR TEENAGE ACNE?
Worried about your spots and looking for a solution? Talk to your GP or dermatologist about the causes and effective treatments for teenage acne. They may prescribe local retinoids such as adapalene to reduce the formation of blackheads. To act on some of the microbes responsible for inflamed spots, doctors prescribe benzoyl peroxide. In more severe cases, they prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline. For very intense and resistant forms of acne, they suggest treatment with Isotretinoin (Accutane). In all cases, dermatologists emphasize the need for regular follow-up, and compliance – that means sticking to the treatment – is the key to success.
For more info on prescription acne treatments, click HERE.
Are there any in-clinic treatments for teenage acne?
Dermatologists carry out in-clinic acne treatments for teenagers. Acne can be what is called “retentional”, where the pores of the skin’s sebaceous glands are blocked by lots of comedones (blackheads) and microcysts. The skin therefore needs to undergo dermatological cleansing. A painless minor extraction procedure is performed on the surface of the skin to drain the blackheads and microcysts. This enhances the treatment’s effectiveness.
TEENAGERS - NOW’S THE TIME TO GET INTO
GOOD SKINCARE HABITS!
A good skincare routine is vital for oily and acne-prone skin. And if you wear makeup, make sure you remove it thoroughly at the end of the day. A chore we know, but your skin will thank you for it.
Choose products developed specifically to soothe inflammation and treat adolescent skin, and consider seeking advice from a dermatologist.
Remember, however severe your teenage acne, there are effective treatments and products out there. The key is to get professional advice and stick to your prescribed treatment. You’ll be boosting your confidence with a clearer complexion in no time!
Click HERE to learn more about expert skincare for teenage skin.
HOW TO MAKE SLEEP PART OF
YOUR ACNE-PRONE SKIN IMPROVEMENT REGIME
5 steps to a restful night
If the key to beautiful, blemish-free skin is a great night’s sleep, just how do you go about getting that crucial shut-eye?
1. Eat earlier
Make sure you don’t eat a large meal close to the time you go to bed. A heavy meal followed by no activity makes it difficult for your body to process food and can cause digestive problems and interrupted sleep. Your last meal of the day should be at least two hours before bed.
2. No screens before bed
Research1 shows that blue light from cellphones, computers, and TV screens interferes with the circadian rhythm, or “body clock”, and leads to disturbed sleep. Added to that watching a movie, having a discussion on social media, or replying to emails all keep your brain alert when it really needs time to unwind. So, switch off your screens an hour before bed and do something more relaxing before you call it a night.
3. Allow your acne treatment to work overnight
Give your skin some pampering before bed. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with an acne-prone skin face wash and pore cleaner then pat on a specialist moisturiser. Use a deep-cleansing acne mask once or twice a week. Sleep time is the best time for some acne treatments to take effect. Apply your acne lotion after cleansing and moisturising for overnight miracle.
Retinol is an increasingly popular ingredient in the care for blemish-prone skin. It works by renewing skin cells and tightening pores. Night time application is recommended because cell renewal is at its strongest whilst you sleep. The new skin formed is delicate and vulnerable to the sun, so do remember to apply daily SPF when using retinol products.
4. Change your pillowcases regularly
Pillowcases – just like makeup brushes, wash cloths, and towels – can harbour a build-up of dirt, oil, and microbes. These are transferred onto your skin and can be responsible for clogged pores and new outbreaks. Be sure to cleanse your skin before going to bed and change pillowcases at least twice a week if you suffer from blemish-prone skin.
5. Increase the length of your sleep
Most studies suggest that somewhere between seven and nine hours is an appropriate length of time to sleep. What time do you need to get up in order to have a proper breakfast, dress, and travel to work? Calculate backwards from there to figure out what time you need to fall asleep, and then add another 30 minutes dropping-off time. So, if you need to wake up at 7AM, be in bed by 10.30PM.