A quick Google search on teen acne will bamboozle and bombard you with high-street products promising the earth. But real acne isn’t just a few spots or a big chin zit – it’s a real problem with far-reaching effects. And it’s crucial for long-term skin health to not use just anything – however desperate your teen may be. And, trust us, we know they’re desperate.
The teenage years can already be full of stress and anxiety (which in turn can lead to skin issues, but more on that later) without the un-hideable additional horror of acne. For teenagers especially, looks matter and anything so obvious for others to target could well feel like the end of the world. Add in raging hormones, friendship or relationship problems, exam worries and other pressures which – to them – seem huge and it’s no wonder teenagers’ self-esteem and confidence can take a battering.
Acne is a Common Condition
Yet they’re far from the only ones. Acne is a very common condition and affects many people at some point. Acne causes spots, oily skin (which in turn leads to congestion, and yep, more spots) and sometimes makes skin sore to the touch or even hot. Acne most commonly develops on the face but may also affect the back (in more than half of sufferers) or the chest, which affects about 15% of people with acne.
According to the NHS, there are 6 main types of spots caused by acne:
Blackheads
Whiteheads
Papules – small red bumps that can be tender or sore
Pustules – like papules, but with a white tip in the centre, caused by pus
Nodules– large hard lumps beneath the skin’s surface which can be painful
Cysts – large pus-filled, boil-like lumps which can cause permanent scarring
Healthy Tips for Healthy Skin
There are some things you can try to clear up your skin. However, if their skin is really badly affected, sore, or causing distress your teenager needs expert help. This is not the time to pay heed to some self-appointed TikTok guru, or even listen to their friends’ versions of old wives’ tales.
They need real experts, with vast experience and access to science-based, medical-grade treatments.
That’s where we can help – but in the meantime, these common-sense tips are good for everyone:
This may seem counter-intuitive, but over-washing or using harsh products can cause irritation and exacerbate the symptoms.
Don’t be tempted to scrub the skin or squeeze any spots. This can make things worse and risk unsightly scarring.
Avoid oily make-up and creams. Choose non-comedogenic products, which are less likely to block pores.
Always cleanse and remove all traces of make-up at night.
Wash hair regularly, avoid using heavy styling products and keep it away from the face.
Choose a fragrance-free, ideally water-based moisturiser and sunscreen.
Regular exercise and getting outside are also recommended. Alone, they cannot improve acne, but both are proven to boost mood and improve self-esteem. Sunlight can also be beneficial – but always use a non-comedogenic SPF. A healthy diet, rich in antioxidants and so-called superfoods, along with staying hydrated, can also be beneficial to skin as well as overall health.
Good Skin Needs Good Products
In clinic, we are well-equipped to deal with skin concerns, with our prescription-grade skincare ranges, Obagi and Alumier M.D, known as cosmeceuticals. We also know that teens dread the prospect of going bare-faced so we’ve invested in the Jane Iredale Makeup range to offer patients science-backed, non-comedogenic make-up developed specifically for problem skin. Jane Iredale products are known for mineral formulations and organic ingredients. This is high-performance, cruelty-free, skincare makeup to enhance and nourish the skin. As a clean beauty brand, all their products are free of parabens, talc, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and GMO ingredients.
We are also official stockists of Alumier M.D. Medical Grade Cosmeceuticals and Obagi – these products are only available through a professional. And as an accredited acne and rosacea specialist clinic, we CAN help. As a highly experienced paediatric nurse, Amy is always sympathetic to teenagers and their concerns. As one who suffered with her skin, Lynsey knows exactly how they feel too. We both know how much it matters.
Optimum Skin, Optimum Skin Care
We’ll begin with a complimentary and comprehensive skin care consultation. We’ll discuss your teen’s concerns and overall health before we prescribe the optimum skincare routine. The ultimate aim is to clear the skin and make your teen feel better. Going back to not paying too much heed to friends’ opinions, or the latest viral TikTok, it’s important not to be swayed by false promises of quick fixes. Consistency and commitment are key, and skin may temporarily get worse before it gets better. This is known as the purge phase. With acne, there’s no such thing as a quick fix. And let’s be honest – even if there was, it wouldn’t be the work of a wannabe influencer or an ex-Love Islander!
Get the RIGHT advice
Although not cheap, these science-led products deliver targeted results and thus offer exceptional value. Throwing away money on lesser products is, at best, a waste of money. At worst, those products could damage the skin, lead to scarring – and take your teen’s well-being down, too.
Contact us today. We’ll start solving the problem.
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