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INTRODUCTION
Teenage acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of adolescents worldwide. This condition can significantly impact the emotional and psychological well-being of teenagers, making it crucial to understand its causes, treatment options, and management strategies. In this article today, I will guide you through teenage acne and some of the effective ways to manage and treat it.
WHAT IS TEENAGE ACNE
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units, characterized by the formation of non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules and cysts) lesions. It is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It typically appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. While acne can affect people of all ages, it is most common among teenagers due to hormonal changes during puberty.
TYPES OF ACNE
Acne can manifest in various forms, each requiring a different approach to treatment:
Non Inflammatory Acne: This includes blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores. Blackheads are open comedones while whiteheads are closed comedones.
Inflammatory Acne: This includes papules, pustules, nodules and cysts which are red, swollen, and painful.
CAUSES OF TEENAGE ACNE
Understanding the causes of teenage acne is the first step towards effective management. Several factors contribute to the development of acne in teenagers:
Hormonal Changes: During puberty, there is an increase in androgens, hormones that cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum (oil). Excess sebum can clog pores, leading to acne.
Bacteria: The skin naturally harbors bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). When hair follicles are clogged with excess oil, these bacteria multiply and cause inflammation, resulting in pimples and cysts.
Genetics: A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. If parents have acne, their children are more prone to experiencing it as well.
Diet: Certain dietary factors, such as consuming foods high in sugars and dairy, can trigger or worsen acne. Studies suggest that high glycemic index foods and dairy products can contribute to acne development.
Stress: Stress does not cause acne, but it can exacerbate the condition. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can increase oil production and inflammation in the skin.
Skincare Products: Using skincare products that are comedogenic (pore-clogging) or not suitable for one's skin type can lead to breakouts.
HOW WE MANAGE TEENAGE ACNE AT DREAM CLINIC
Managing teenage acne involves a combination of treatments. Here at Dream Clinic we provide a step-by-step guide to help teenagers effectively manage their acne:
Step 1 : Oral Medications
Oral Antibiotics: For severe cases, oral antibiotics can help reduce bacterial growth and inflammation from the inside.
Step 2 : Topical Treatments
Topical Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help reduce inflammation and sebum production thus preventing clogged pores.
Topical Antibiotics: These help reduce Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria and inflammation.
Step 3 : Other Treatments
Medi Facials : At Dream Clinic, our medical grade facial devices help unclog pores and remove impurities and dead skin cells without causing harm to your skin.
Chemical Peels: This involves the application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the top layer of skin, helping to reduce acne and improve skin texture.
Laser Therapy: Here at Dream Clinic, we offer not one but two cutting edge laser systems namely, the Fotona Starwalker PQX and the Fotona SP Dynamis Nx Line to help manage acne. These treatments will help target bacteria and reduce inflammation thus helping to improve acne and prevent future breakouts.
Skin boosters: Skin boosters are injectable treatments that deliver hydrating and rejuvenating ingredients like hyaluronic acid , vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly to the skin. Skin boosters can be an excellent addition to a comprehensive acne treatment plan. When combined with traditional acne therapies, they can help enhance the skin’s overall appearance by improving hydration, texture and elasticity providing a holistic approach to managing teenage acne.
EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ACNE
Acne can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on teenagers, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. It is important for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to offer support and understanding. Encouraging teenagers to talk about their feelings and seek help if needed can make a big difference in their overall well-being.
CONCLUSION
Managing teenage acne requires a holistic approach that includes proper skincare, medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and emotional support. By understanding the causes of acne and implementing effective management strategies, teenagers can achieve clearer skin and improve their overall well-being. Remember, acne is a common and manageable condition, and with the right approach, teenagers can navigate this challenging period with confidence and resilience.
REFERENCES
Fabi, S. G., Beleznay, K., Berson, D. S., Cohen, J. L., Lee, S., & Dayan, S. H. (2023). Treatment of acne in the aesthetic patient: A round table update. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(9), 2391–2398. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15913
The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology. (2019, August 15). Acne Management Guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore. JCAD | the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://jcadonline.com/acne-management-july-2019/
Meixiong, J., Ricco, C., Vasavda, C., & Ho, B. K. (2022). Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD International, 7, 95–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.012