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Teenagers and their skin problems

A teen-ager may not initiate a conversation about control of acne to his or her physician, but often is eager to hear good advice on how to control what can be a frustrating and embarrassing skin condition.

At puberty, the sebaceous gland enlarges and sebum (oil) production accelerates in response to increased hormone activity. Comedones or zits typically form on the central face area, and can be the first sign of puberty. It is important to recognize that this very embarrassing skin condition can be
controlled.

The essential point for good skin care includes thorough, but gentle cleansing at least twice daily, combined with a weekly deep cleansing and exfoliation.  We also recommend the use of a good toner. It is extremely popular for some of those giving advice about skin care to say that alcohol in a toner is bad for the skin. This logic has become very widespread, and like so much "common wisdom" it is based on statements made, and oft repeated, but without the support of substantiating data. Alcohol based toners are key products in virtually every major skin care line, simply because they are effective. In addition, they are beneficial and non irritating for most people. The truth is that based on their overwhelming usage by millions of people daily, alcohol based toners pass any scrutiny regarding whether or not they act predictably as an irritant to the skin. The answer is that the usage data overwhelmingly demonstrates that alcohol toners have proven themselves to be quite safe for daily usage for most people, and the continuous use, and repeat purchases, by millions, because of their own personal experiences without difficulty, enables this category of product to be regarded as safe and compatible with the skin for nearly all people. Please read our detailed discussion on alcohol toners.

The SkinClean system incorporates remarkable advances in skin cleansing technology and represents the state of the scientific art in achieving clean clear skin.

For girls who wear makeup, oil-free, non-comedogenic products are best. An oil-free sunscreen also is recommended.

Different types of acne exist. Determining which type of acne a teen has is the first step in directing treatment. Two common types of acne are:

Blackheads (comedones) are caused by pores clogged by debris on the skin surface. Lesions typically show up on the face, nose and forehead (referred to as the T zone) and on the neck, chest and back. Proper cleansing and use of non-comedogenic face products also are important in treating this type of acne.

Papules and pustules are deeper, painful lesions that occur when the infection within the sebaceous gland causes the gland and the area around it to become distorted as the infection spreads below the skin surface. The condition often is created or made worse by attempting to pinch or pop the pimple. These deeper lesions can leave their mark as they heal, resulting in pits or scars. A through cleansing regimen like the SkinClean system is the first line of attack for this kind of acne and may result is total resolve of the problem. Resitant cases of type of acne are often helped by a drug called Retin-A, a derivative of retinoic acid. Occasionally, Retin-A is not adequate, and nodules or deep bumps of acne persist. Then, topical antibiotics may be added. It is important to emphasize the consistent use of any regimen to avoid resistant organisms. But even with its conscientious use, resistance can develop.

Antibiotics taken orally are sometimes required, but their use is limited to the short term, and the physician and family should discuss the relative risks and benefits.

If these methods cannot control the acne adequately take your child to a dermatologist for
additional treatments available for severe or difficult acne.

Some view acne as a natural process of puberty, but it must be appreciated for the short-term impact it has on the overall health of the adolescent as well as the potential long-term consequence of permanent scars.