The Causes of Teen Acne

Acne among teens is nothing unusual. However, a big concern is the negative effect that it can have on a teens self-esteem. Even though the health risks of acne are not great, it can result in permanent scarring. But, in the end, teen acne is merely a result of changes in hormones which is a normal part of growing up.

Conventional treatments are aimed at reducing sebum production, reducing bacteria responsible for acne infection, and exfoliating dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Keep in mind, however, that there are many side effects associated with conventional treatments. Vitamin A is one safe and effective treatment of acne. Although high-dose therapy of vitamin A may be useful for the treatment of acne, a physician should closely monitor the therapy (unless it is from beta-carotene). The topical treatments are usually applied twice a day.

One myth that needs to be dispelled is that vigorous washing of your face will rid you of the oils that cause pimples. Furthermore, no evidence currently exists that oils in food are the cause of acne. The fact is, your skin contains sebaceous glands which lubricate your hair and skin. Washing your face regularly can help reduce acne.

The largest study ever conducted on acne and stress levels confirms what many have suspected for years: Stress can make acne worse among teenagers. Stress and/or sleep disturbance can induce higher levels of hormones and adrenaline, which increases sebum production, leading to clogged pores. Teens should learn about the connection between stress and your skin. During the period of high stress (just before an exam, etc.) teens were 23% more likely to have increased severity of acne than during the period of low stress (during the school holiday).

The fact of the matter is, going through puberty results in increased levels of androgen hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands. Physical and sexual development are the result of these hormones. This is one unavoidable cause of acne.

Common ingredients in over the counter medication for the treatment of acne are Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid. Benzoyl Peroxide does a good job of killing the bacteria that causes acne. Retin-A is also used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide in extreme cases. In severe cases, neither benzoyl peroxide nor Retin-A is effective, and deep bumps of acne persist.

Most dermatologists agree that the chances of successful treatment are increased when treatment is started early. Dermatologists may drain lesions if they are severe and offer a course of antibiotics as treatment. Do not hesitate to see a dermatologist about your acne. Dermatologists encourage parents to not take a “wait and see” approach.

Many people have found that some of the best teen acne solutions can be found right inside their own homes. Another one of the major teen acne solutions is plain salt water. For example, some people swear that both fresh lemon juice and tea tree oil are great teen acne solutions. Last, but definitely not least, teenagers can always resort to the most widely used teen acne solutions: over-the counter acne medications.

7 Golden Rules In Managing Boys Acne Problems

It is not true that only girls worry about acne problems. Boys care and worry as much as girls do. If you have a teenage boy at home, I’m sure you would agree with me. Boys are also scrambling to deal with both the physical and emotional trauma caused by acne.

For most boys acne starts to pop up at the early stage of puberty. In most cases these problems are within control. Healthy diet plays an important role in managing acne. Many people say stay away from chocolate and oily foods. Again there is no way to prove that believe.

Adopt cleanliness as a habit. Your face should be kept clean all the time. There are a lot of over the counter cleansing products that you can use. Always use a mild type of cleanser that suit all skin types.

The psychological stress and difficulties of going through the period of puberty could sometimes contribute to the acne problems too. Encourage your boys to join the support groups that could help them to deal with the problems wisely.

Here are some helpful outlines for both parents and the boys on how to take care of the acne problems successfully.

1) For parents, give unconditional support to your boys. Having to go through the emotional difficulties it is very stressful for the boys to manage their problems. They need your full support and understanding.

2) Avoid picking or squeezing your acne or blemishes at all cost. Your fingernails could cause infections to your skin. Keep your fingernails short at all time.

3) If you are shaving, it is advisable to use safety razor or an electric razor. A regular razor might cause your skin to bleed.

4) It is advisable to wash your face at least twice a day using a mild skin cleansing products. Always use only gentle skin care cleanser.

5) Find skin care products that are labeled as non-comedogenic. These products normally will prevent clogging of the pores and prevent blemishes.

6) For severe cases that is beyond manage, consult skin care specialist for professional advice. Skin care professionals should be able to guide you in managing the problems and suggest the appropriate skin care products.

7) If everything else fails you might need to visit the dermatologist for a prescription. Dermatologist specialize in skin care and they have the best equipments and skills to help you.

Early stages of puberty is a hard time for your boys due to hormonal changes both physically and psychologically. Acne is definitely not a welcome addition to their condition. They need your full moral support and let them know that you are always there for them.

Simple Solutions To Girls Acne Problem

Puberty is a challenging times for the teenagers. Especially for girls this is the time that their body go through a lot of physical changes.

Girls begin to menstruate, body and facial hair starts to grow, their body going through growth spur and the skin change too. More fat tissues develop around the thighs, hips, and breast.

Psychological changes leads to mood swings, easily become irritable and feeling of low self esteem even for girls who normally enjoy a high self confidence.

Does acne affected girls during puberty?

Acne outbreak starts to happen at this time due to the increased in skin oil. Acne is an added problems to the other physical and psychological changes.

Fortunately these problems can be managed. With just getting into some new habits and simple routines that have to be done everyday.

As the saying goes prevention is better than cure. This is literally true in managing acne problems.

Proper skin care is the first step in preventing acne outbreak. Wash your face with facial cleanser. Skin care cleanser are available over the counter without prescription. Use a gentle skin care cleanser that is accommodating for all skin types.

Find the skin cleanser that contains Salicylic acid, Benzoyl Peroxide or Sulphur. It is very important for you to use only gentle cleanser. Also be gentle when cleaning your face and don’t clean excessively, twice a day should be the routine.

If you wear facial makeup, make sure to find cosmetics products that contain non-comedogenic ingredients. Non -comedogenic products are less likely to cause acne, blackheads or blocking skin pores.

There are many non-comedogenic products for makeup, lip sticks, moisturizers and even acne medicated makeup are available on the market today.

Acne is a manageable problems, with just following some simple routines. In serious cases that is unmanageable, please consult skin care specialist or dermatologist for proper treatment or medication.

Teenagers And Zit Problems: Understanding Your Body Changes

One you one of those teenagers who are confused about the rapid changes in your body? Puberty is one of the most confusing times of our lives and it is alright to feel bewildered with all the changes that you body undergoes at this stage. For instance, pimples or zits may start appearing in your face at this stage which can cause you a lot of distress. Although zits are more common in boys than they are in girls, some girls do suffer from severe pimples. In fact, there are a good number of girls that suffer through severe zits and end up with many unwanted scars on their faces. If you happen to have a sister or a brother who has pimples, your risk of having zits during your puberty is a lot higher than those who do not have a family history of pimples.

Avoiding Zits

According to experts, some people are more prone to pimples than others. Studies show that zits are more common on people with oil skin. Too much oil in your face would cause the dead skin to skin together and block your pores. Clogged pores are the favorite places of bacteria. As the bacteria in the clogged pores build-up, pimples or zits will start to appear on the skin. The size of the pimples depends on the degree of irritation on the skin. If the skin is severely irritated, you may have huge pimples erupting on your skin. Not only does these pimples very unsightly, there are also painful and uncomfortable.

Pimples or zits can be quite itchy at times that there are times when you can help but scratch them. Unfortunately, scratching your pimples may cause infection and more miseries on your part. Irritated pimples can grow to a really large size and it is not uncommon for some parts of the face to get really swollen and red for a few days. If you have no intention of making yourself more miserable than you already are, do not attempt to scratch that zit or apply some substances that could cause further irritation on your skin.

Whiteheads And Zits

When the pores of the skin get clogged with dead skin and bacteria start to build up, the natural defense system of the body reacts and rushes to the site where there is build up of bacteria. The white blood cells of the body are the natural infection fighters and they usually try to contain growth of the bacteria in the zits. In most cases, the presence of the white blood cells in the affected area gives the pimple that whitehead appearance.