What can parents do to help with
teen acne?
Teen
Acne Articles 
Understanding
Teen Acne - 02/15/07
Acne
Vulgaris - 03/21/07
Many
parents might remember their own case
of teen acne and how it made them
feel shy or self-conscious. It is
important to know that acne can impact
a teen's self-esteem and self-confidence
at a critical point in his or her
development. The skin is often considered
a reflection of our inner health.
Good overall health requires a balanced
diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
A variety of fruits and vegetables,
limited fat, and 8-10 glasses of water
a day are beneficial for everyone.
So
what can you do to help your teenager
with his or her acne and their overall
well being?
By
the way, science has disproved the
myth that chocolate and fried foods
cause acne. Nonetheless, a healthy
diet is important.
Understand
the causes of acne and the best skin
care techniques. Be knowledgeable
about treatment options. Share the
information with your teen and help
him or her to take control of his/her
own acne. For some teens the best
approach may be to point them in the
direction of a teen or acne website
and let them discover what they need
to know for him or herself.
Teen Acne
-
Acne
cannot be scrubbed away.
In fact, abrasive washing
or drying can irritate your
teen's skin and worsen the
acne. They should gently
wash their skin with a mild
soap once or twice daily,
then rinse thoroughly and
pat dry.
-
Astringents
are not recommended unless
your teen's skin is very
oily. If they need to use
an astringent, it should
only be applied to the oily
spots.
-
The
best cosmetic skin care
products and sunscreens
to use are labeled oil-free,
water-based, noncomedogenic
or nonacnegenic. These products
will not clog pores. Sunscreen
should have a sun protection
level of at least 15 SPF.
-
Many
acne medications may cause
sun sensitivity. Your teen
should avoid excessive exposure
to the sun. Despite a common
belief, tanning does not
clear up acne. It actually
causes the skin to produce
more oil. Tanning may also
lead to premature aging
and skin cancer.
-
Your
teen should not scratch,
pick, squeeze or pop his
or her pimples. This may
push bacteria from the pimple
further into the skin and
cause more inflammation
and infection.
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If
over-the-counter products prove to
be ineffective or you're concerned
that your teen's lesions could cause
scarring, consult with a dermatologist.
Together, your teen and the dermatologist
can find an effective acne treatment.
With
the many acne treatments available
today, there is truly no need for
your teen to suffer the physical,
social and emotional distress that
acne may cause.
Consult with a Dermatologist!
The
dermatologist will review your teen's
acne condition and give serious consideration
to the cause, type and severity of
acne as well as to the type of skin
he or she has. The degree of severity
will help to determine whether the
dermatologist will prescribe an acne
medication or a combination of medications.
Prescription
acne medications may contain antibiotics
to help minimize bacteria and or other
active ingredients that help to clear
pores and treat new blemishes.
Teen
Acne Articles
Understanding
Teen Acne - 02/15/07
Acne
Vulgaris - 03/21/07
|
