Nearly
every teen suffers from acne to some degree, but teen acne doesn't have
to be something you child must suffer through. Early treatment can help
keep your child's acne to a minimum, all through the teen years. Learn
how to properly care for your young teen's skin and clear mild acne
before it can progress. Your teen may actually thank you.
Here's how:
1. Be alert for beginning signs of
acne. Teen acne typically begins between the ages of 10 to 13, with
many children showing beginning signs of acne as early as age eight.
Watch for small blackheads and early papules, especially on the nose
where acne usually starts. As acne worsens, it spreads to the forehead,
then cheeks and chin. The goal should be to catch breakouts early before
they begin to spread.
Start treatment as soon as mild comedones appear. Do not use the wait
and see approach. The sooner you begin treatment, the better the results
will be.
2. Emphasize basic cleansing. Beginning around age nine, children
should cleanse their faces every night with a gentle cleanser such as
Dove or Neutrogena. Many times this alone will improve mild comedones.
Daily facial cleansing is especially important for boys, as they tend to
develop more severe and longer lasting acne.
If you notice beginning papules or pustules, have your child use a
benzoyl peroxide cleanser once or twice a day. If the cleanser dries
your child's face, lightly apply an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizer
after every cleansing.
3. Use mild treatment creams. A
benzoyl peroxide cream (2.5%
strength) is a good choice for adolescents that are experiencing red or
inflamed breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide is a very common and inexpensive
acne treatment cream that can be found over-the-counter in the skin care
aisle. Highly successful at treating mild cases of acne, benzoyl
peroxide kills the bacteria that cause pimples.
Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide cream over all affected areas
once or twice daily, after cleansing. Monitor your child's face for
redness, irritation, or excessive dryness. If they occur, scale back use
to every other day.
Here's a Popular Video
*The 3 acne products mentioned in the video
are directly below.
Neutrogena Oil Free Deep Clean Cream Face Cleanser, 7-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 3)
Product Description:
Neutrogena Oil
Free Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, deep Clean Cream Cleanser
works two ways to improve the look and feel of skin. This
dermatologist-tested formula cleanses deep down into pores -
dissolving dirt, oil and makeup. Then, it removes dead surface
skin that can dry, roughen and dull your complexion. It rinses
clean, without leaving any pore-clogging residue. Skin looks
fresher and healthier, feels cool and refreshed.
4. Teach a hands-off policy. Teach your child not to pick at or
"pop" pimples. Doing so can force infected material deeper into the
dermis, creating a more severe lesion. Picking at a pimple can cause
scarring, exacerbate inflammation, and generally worsens acne. It can
also lead to a serious infection.
Young teens in particular seem determined to pick at their skin. They
may need gentle reminders to encourage them to keep their hands away
from their face. Explain that popping pimples can aggravate acne, making
pimples look more red and obvious, and causing more breakouts.
5. See a doctor, if needed. If your child's acne doesn't respond
to home treatment or your child seems extremely upset about his skin,
your next step should be to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can
help create a treatment plan that will help your child. Again, don't
wait to seek treatment. The sooner you begin treating acne, the easier
it is to control.
Choose very mild products. Your child's
skin is sensitive, and harsh products can irritate the skin and
exacerbate acne.
You child may be reluctant to talk about
his or her skin problems, especially if they feel self-conscious about
their breakouts. Try not to "nag" about their skin care routine and,
above all, be supportive.
You may want to enlist the help of your doctor or other skin care
professional to educate your child of the importance of good daily skin
care.
Disclaimer: The information, advice, tips, and suggestions on this website are not intended to replace consultation with a qualified dermatology professional.
Nearly
every teen suffers from acne to some degree, but teen acne doesn't have
to be something you child must suffer through. Early treatment can help
keep your child's acne to a minimum, all through the teen years. Learn
how to properly care for your young teen's skin and clear mild acne
before it can progress. Your teen may actually thank you.
Here's a Popular Video
