- Causes of Teenage Acne
- Diagnosing Teenage Acne
- Acne Treatment for Teens
- Complications of Teenage Acne
- Best Skincare for Teenage Acne with La Roche-Posay:
Causes of Teenage Acne
Hormones
From around the age of 12 to 25, the body goes through a big change in hormones. Testosterone levels increase, especially in boys, which also increases oil sebum production and congestion that can lead to acne.
Genetic Factors
Our genetics can play a part in our skin type and the concerns we face. Unfortunately, this can mean that if your parents or grandparents had acne, you may be more prone to being affected by it too. This can help understand the cause, however, so consider asking relatives about how they treated their skin or how long their acne lasted.
Acne in Women
Women can be affected by acne at different parts of their life due to hormonal fluctuations. These happen throughout a woman’s life - from puberty, during menstrual cycles, and pregnancy - and can be a cause of both teen and adult acne.
Lifestyle Influences
From our diet, alcohol consumption, medications, and the environment we live in, our lifestyle choices can play a part in skin health. High-glycaemic index (GI) foods, for instance, are believed to exacerbate acne. Likewise, habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol regularly can create inflammation in the body and also make acne worse. If you’re unsure of the cause of your acne, it can be helpful to make a note of possible triggers and make changes where possible.
Diagnosing Teenage Acne
While maintaining a consistent skincare regime and a healthy lifestyle can help you manage teenage acne, it’s important to seek the help and advice of a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a big difference in the success of your treatment and a professional can also advise on the right products to use, or if prescribed treatments are necessary.
“Don't get to the frustrating point of “I’ve tried everything” before you go to a GP,” says Adrien Dissous, La Roche-Posay US Editor. “Using an internet search as your skincare guru, self-treating with the wrong products, and letting acne persist for months will only make it harder to treat now and may cause permanent marks or scars in the future. The sooner you see a professional, the greater your chances of clearing acne quickly”.
Acne Treatment for Teens
If you’re unsure of where to start in treating your teenage acne, take a look at our simple tips below.
Targeted skincare
For more mild-moderate cases of teenage breakouts, you can manage with cosmetic skincare treatments. Such as Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser which contains exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, remove excess oil & sebum and unclogs pores to help prevent spots.
Consult a GP for moderate to severe acne
More severe forms of acne will need to be treated with prescription medications including topical retinoids, antibiotics, isotretinoin, and azelaic acid. Hormonal treatments may also be suggested by your doctor for persistent acne. If you have found that over-the-counter treatments have not helped manage your skin, start by making an appointment with your GP or a dermatologist so you can get the necessary help you need.
Patience and Consistency
It can be easy to get frustrated when you have acne, and improvements can be hard to see day to day. But try to be patient and consistent rather than switching between different products every few days or weeks. Bear in mind that most treatments take two to three months to show improvements, so maintaining a good skincare regime is essential. You should also consult your healthcare professional every few weeks for adjustments such as switching to higher potencies of acne treatments.
Severe acne treatments
If you are using prescription skincare such as isotretinoin for treating stubborn acne, you may find that it makes your skin more dry and sensitive. In this case, it’s important to use them alongside very hydrating products that will help to protect and strengthen the skin barrier. Effaclar H Iso-Biome Cleanser & are formulated to soothe and comfort skin blemish-prone skin that feels weak and fragile from over-drying treatments. Also suitable for those prone to acne and suitable for use alongside prescribed oral isotretinoin.
Complications of Teenage Acne
Teenage acne can cause several different complications in a young person’s life. From scarring, depression, and low self-esteem, it’s important to ensure you or your child is receiving the right care – not just to treat the acne itself but also to address the emotional stress it causes. Finding the right teenage acne treatment is essential, and skincare professionals can help create a comprehensive plan for treating acne while also signposting you to any necessary support.
Best Skincare for Teenage Acne with La Roche-Posay:
La Roche-Posay has a range of over-the-counter skincare solutions for blemish-prone skin. Read on to find our recommended products for teenage skin.
Cleanse
Start your skincare routine with a cleanser formulated for blemish-prone skin. This step is essential as it clears excess oil and sebum from the pores and helps to improve areas of breakouts and congestion. Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is ideal for daily cleansing of clogged pores & breakout-prone skin.
Tone
The second step in your skincare routine should be a toner. Toners such as Effaclar Clarifying Lotion can help to clean and refine texture by delivering micro-exfoliating ingredients such as Lipo-Hydroxy Acids to the skin. A targeted product like this can also help to control excess oil production and refine the look of enlarged pores.
Moisturise
Hydration is integral to an anti-blemish skincare routine as it helps to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier function. The key is to choose a formula that’s ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin such as Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser. It delivers 24 hour hydration while gently exfoliating to unclog pores & help prevent spots. If you like a moisturiser with SPF, opt for Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser SPF 30.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is integral for all skin types and should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine. This will protect your skin from UV damage and associated premature ageing. Anthelios UVMune400 Oil Control Invisible Fluid is a very high facial SPF50+ in an invisible, lightweight mattifying fluid, specifically formulated for oily skin to blemish-prone skin. Expect up to 12H mattifying effect.
BB and CC Creams
Finding the right type of coverage for acne-prone skin can be tricky. If you want light coverage without feeling like you’re exacerbating any build-up or congestion, BB and CC creams are a great option. CC creams for instance are hydrating and provide great coverage but also leave a matte, shine-free finish.
Embracing Effective Skincare for Teenage Acne
Teen acne can be a challenging skin concern to tackle but with the right at-home skincare routine and professional help, you can start to take control and see an improvement. If you’re unsure of where to start, speak to a La Roche-Posay advocate by clicking the chat box link on the La Roche-Posay website. They’ll be able to help you form a plan to find the support you need.
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