Acne on the face of adolescents is not only a noticeable cosmetic defect and a reason for the development of complexes regarding appearance. Skin rashes are associated with hormonal imbalances during puberty.
It is quite difficult to treat juvenile acne, but you should not leave acne unattended or heavily mask the rash with a thick layer of foundation.
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Causes
- “hormonal storms” begin;
- androgen release increases sharply - this hormone controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- the balance between the production of male and female sex hormones is disrupted;
- with an excess of androgen, the process of sebum production is disrupted;
- the condition of the hair follicles and epidermis changes;
- the ducts become clogged, sebaceous secretions accumulate;
- Dead skin flakes are added to the thick mass, bacteria penetrate into the favorable environment;
- an active inflammatory process develops, ulcers appear, familiar to everyone, like acne.
- frequent stress, constant anxiety due to defects in appearance (existing and imaginary);
- consumption of fatty, fried, salty foods, excess of sweets, smoked foods, fast food, excessive consumption of coffee;
- poor or insufficient hygiene;
- incorrectly selected cosmetics for skin care;
- excess decorative cosmetics that clog pores;
- vitamin deficiency;
- diabetes;
- infectious diseases;
- less often - heredity.
Dermatologists identify several main factors that provoke acne:
Why do teenagers get acne? How to treat them?
- Genetic predisposition . Oily skin is a problem that can be inherited from moms, dads and grandparents. If your family has suffered from skin problems, there is a high chance that you will experience them too. You can treat with hormonal drugs + you will have to provide the skin with stable and constant care.
- Low-quality foods with high cholesterol content . If you often “indulge” in buns and sweets, be prepared for increased oily skin (this is due to excessive sebum production).
- Hormonal disbalance . In girls and boys, from the age of 10-16 years, the processes of hormonal changes begin; the endocrine system “produces” too much testosterone or progesterone. You will have to take hormonal pills, make caring and cleansing masks, and apply special antibacterial ointments.
- Monotonous food . If you eat the same thing, then a deficiency of zinc microelements occurs. This provokes active processes of sebum formation. It is almost impossible to “hide” from acne in this situation.
- Excess ultraviolet light . If you spend too much time in the sun (for work or on vacation), this provokes keratinization of the skin. Conclusion - avoid frequent sunbathing, use protective creams.
To eliminate the problem, you will have to give up sweets in favor of healthier foods, go on a diet, and impose serious restrictions on your diet and regimen.
Lack of sunlight can also cause skin problems.
Symptoms and manifestations of the disease
Acne in adolescents and young adults provokes the development of serious complexes and forces them to limit contact with peers. The number of rashes often increases, and ulcers cover new areas of the body.
Main locations:
- face;
- neck;
- back;
- hands.
Manifestations of acne are varied:
- in the early stages, sebum accumulates deep in the pores, but cannot come out. A thick mass is located under the layer of the epidermis, gradually the discharge becomes more and more, and a tubercle with a white top appears on the surface. This is a closed comedon;
- if the skin secretion finds its way out, dust, dirt gets on it, and the yellowish mass darkens. This is how black dots appear. This secretion is removed more easily than from closed comedones (whiteheads or milia). There is no inflammatory process in this case;
- penetration of infection from the outside, activation of pathogenic bacteria living on the skin, for example, Staphylococcus aureus, micrococci, fungi of the genus Candida leads to an inflammatory process. The skin around the follicle turns red, feels painful, and an abscess appears. Remember: acne is inflamed comedones.
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General recommendations and rules of treatment
Getting a teenager to see a dermatologist is quite difficult. Talk to him like an adult. Explain that self-medication, attempts to squeeze out pimples, experiments with questionable procedures can end in disastrous health outcomes.
During the consultation, the doctor will, if necessary, order for examination:
- to a neurologist;
- endocrinologist;
- gastroenterologist.
How to get rid of acne? After the examination, complex therapy begins. By limiting the influence of one of the factors, it is impossible to achieve a good result.
Goal of therapy:
- reduce the production of sebaceous gland secretions;
- cleanse pores of accumulated sebaceous secretions;
- reduce the number of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation;
- return the skin to a healthy appearance.
Important! Set your teenager up for the need for regular procedures, taking medications, and not being self-indulgent when choosing medications. A remedy that relieves a friend or girlfriend of ulcers and inflammation will not always help your child.
First stage
The specialist is obliged to explain to the parents and the teenager certain rules, without which it is impossible to get rid of acne. Sometimes it will take some effort to convince the young person of the importance of the proposed measures. Adult support is necessary to strengthen self-confidence.
Tips for people suffering from acne:
- take care of problem skin daily;
- morning and evening, thoroughly cleanse the epidermis of accumulation of sebum, dust, and skin particles;
- use decorative cosmetics as little as possible, use hypoallergenic products;
- Do not mask ulcers with foundation. It doesn’t look very attractive, the pores get clogged even more, the inflammation intensifies;
- eat right. Include fermented milk products, vegetables, and fruits in your menu. Bran, whole grain bread, herbs, lean fish, vegetable oils, unsweetened compotes are recommended;
- try to be less nervous, spend time in the fresh air, sleep 7–8 hours;
- For rashes on the back, clothing made from natural fabrics is mandatory. (Read about back acne at this location).
Why do boys and girls develop acne during adolescence?
If blocked pores become infected or inflamed, a pimple appears - a raised red spot with a white head in the middle. A black pimple head occurs when a pore becomes clogged, left open, and the top has a blackish appearance due to oxidation or exposure to air (This has nothing to do with that the skin is “dirty”).
When bacteria grows in a blocked pore, a pustule can appear, which means the pimple becomes red and inflamed. Cysts form when clogs and inflammation deep inside the pore create large, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Other external causes of acne include girls using face creams and cosmetics that are inappropriate for their skin type, hair dyes, and in the case of boys, the use of lotions and hair gels - all of which can increase pore blockage and cause acne.
Clothes that rub against your skin can also make acne worse, especially on the back and chest. So can heavy sweating during exercise and in hot, humid climates. Synthetic, low-quality clothing in particular causes acne on the body.
Stress and nervous disorders, which are quite common in adolescence and adolescence, are known to cause an increase in subcutaneous fat production by stimulating the nerve endings of the skin, which is why many teenagers have a new crop of acne during exams or just before an exciting meeting, such as a date and etc.
Changing hormones cause acne, which is why many young people get it during puberty or right before their periods. These hormones stimulate the glands in your pores to produce more oil and sebum, which can clog your pores. Luckily, there are good acne treatments available today You don't have to suffer from acne for a long time like your parents did.
Drug therapy and medical cosmetics
At different stages of the rash, certain medications are recommended. For closed and open comedones the following help:
- Tretinoin;
- Benzoyl peroxide;
- Adapalene.
Important! Pay attention to the available product with a drying, anti-inflammatory effect. Salicylic acid is a reliable assistant in the fight against acne. The alcohol solution is used in its pure form to treat ulcers and comedones. Masks and shakes with salicylic acid have a beneficial effect on the skin. This inexpensive, effective product has earned a lot of positive reviews.
The penetration of infection and the appearance of ulcers require the prescription of antibiotics and antifungal agents. Effective:
- Tetracycline;
- Erythromycin;
- Sulfamethoxazole;
- Clindamycin;
- Doxycyline.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the severity of the case and the body’s reactions. Sometimes side effects occur. For this reason, medications should be taken under the supervision of an experienced dermatologist.
Note! For severe forms of acne, glucocorticosteroid and antiandrogenic drugs are recommended. Hormonal ointments, creams, tablets are allowed to be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Recommended medicinal cosmetics for acne:
- gel Dalatsin-T. The active substance is clindamycin. The product reduces the amount of fat on the surface of the epidermis, cleanses pores well, eliminates inflammation;
- drug Zenerit. The main components are erythromycin (relieves inflammation) and zinc (excellently dries the surface of the epidermis). Lubricate problem areas for at least two weeks;
- drug Differin. The active substance is naphthoic acid. Facilitates the removal of comedones, cleanses the sebaceous ducts well, reduces the amount of oily secretions; (We have a separate article about the Differin analogue - Baziron)
- drug Roaccutane. The active ingredient is isotretinoin. Application suppresses the activity of the sebaceous glands. The product cleanses the body from the inside. Excess skin secretions do not clog pores, comedones and pimples gradually disappear. Take the capsules strictly according to the instructions;
- Skinoren cream/gel. The active substance is azelaic acid. Benefits: the growth of keratin cells that block pores is stopped, and favorable conditions for the accumulation of excess sebum disappear. Azelaic acid has a detrimental effect on propionobacteria - the cause of inflammatory processes on the surface of the epidermis;
- medicinal cosmetics Propeller for acne. The Russian brand offers products for the care of problem skin. The line includes more than thirty items. Active components of gels, scrubs, foams, creams, lotions - Zincidone, zinc, Bio-salicylate, beneficial acids, plant extracts, panthenol and others. Regular use of the products will relieve acne, inflammation, open and closed comedones.
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Recipes for honey masks for pimples and acne are described here; cucumber masks - here; kefir - on this page; strawberry - in this article; homemade scrubs - at this address. Read about the use of black clay for blackheads here; blue clay - at this address.
Method 2. Using special products to get rid of acne on the face
Use an over-the-counter cream
If you suffer from persistent acne, you will usually need to do a little more than just keep your face clean and healthy. Luckily, there are a number of creams (OTC) that can work wonders for clearing up pimples and preventing new ones from forming in their place. These creams are usually applied directly to the pimples and in most cases will lead to significant improvement in the skin within 6-8 weeks.
The most common active ingredients found in these creams are:
- Benzoyl peroxide
. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria on the surface of the skin and also slows down the production and build-up of oil in the pores. It also works as an exfoliating agent, helping the skin rejuvenate itself. Benzoyl peroxide can have a drying, irritating effect on the skin, so start with the lowest concentration available. - Salicylic acid
. Salicylic acid is another ingredient that helps kill bacteria. In addition, salicylic acid helps the skin slough off old, dead layers, preventing blocked pores and allowing new skin cells to form. - Sulfur
. Sulfur has antibacterial properties and helps break down whiteheads and acne spots, preventing them from becoming infected and causing pimples. - Retin-
A. Retin-A contains an acidic form of vitamin A known as all-trans retinoic acid, which acts as a chemical peel by exfoliating the skin and unblocking clogged pores. - Azelaic acid
. Azelaic acid reduces the occurrence of acne by preventing oil buildup and reducing inflammation and bacterial growth. It is especially effective for people with darker skin tones.
Ask your dermatologist to prescribe a stronger topical cream
Some people believe that over-the-counter creams are not strong enough to combat stubborn pimples. In this case, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger topical treatment, which may just do the trick.
- Most prescription creams contain active ingredients derived from vitamin A. Examples include products such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. These creams work by promoting cell turnover and preventing clogged hair follicles.
- There are also a number of prescription antibacterial creams that work by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Consider taking a course of antibiotics
For cases of moderate to severe acne, your doctor may recommend combining a topical cream with a course of oral antibiotics. They help reduce inflammation along with bacterial growth. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts four to six months, although you should start to notice an improvement in your skin within about six weeks.
- Unfortunately, many people today easily develop resistance to antibiotics, so this form of treatment will not always work effectively.
- Some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines) reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so women should use a back-up form of contraception while following a course of antibiotics.
For severe acne, consider isotretinoin treatment
If all else fails and severe acne persists, your dermatologist may recommend treatment with isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is closely related to vitamin A and works by reducing the body's production of sebum and by shrinking oil-producing glands. A course of isotretinoin usually lasts about 20 weeks, during which the patient must be closely monitored due to the large number of potential side effects of the drug.
- When taking isotretinoin, your acne may get worse before it gets better. This outbreak usually lasts only for a few weeks, but can sometimes last throughout the entire treatment period.
- Some of the side effects associated with isotretinoin treatments include dry skin and eyes, dry, cracked lips, sensitivity to sunlight, and headaches, hair loss, mood changes and depression.
Learn about professional treatments
There are many treatments available at spas and skin clinics that can significantly improve the appearance of acne-prone skin when used in combination with some of the above treatments. They can be a little expensive, but can produce longer lasting results than other treatments and even help prevent and reduce scars.
Such procedures include:
- Laser therapy.
Laser therapy works by penetrating deep into the skin and damaging the sebaceous glands that produce sebum - the excess of which leads to acne. - Light therapy.
Light therapy targets acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin, reducing inflammation and improving skin texture. - Chemical peels
. A chemical peel burns the surface of the skin in a controlled manner, causing the top layers to peel off to reveal fresh, new skin underneath. This treatment is especially good for getting rid of any marks or scars left behind after the pimples themselves have been cleared. - Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion uses a rotating wire brush to exfoliate the top layers of skin, revealing smooth new skin underneath. This can be somewhat uncomfortable and may leave the skin looking red and raw for several days until it has completely healed.
Folk remedies and recipes
To combat juvenile acne, many traditional medicine recipes are known. Medicinal herbs relieve inflammation, reduce sebum secretion, cleanse the epidermis, and remove harmful substances from the body. Be sure to consult a dermatologist to find out whether a homemade herbal remedy is right for you or not.
Treating acne at home. Proven recipes:
- chamomile decoction. An affordable anti-inflammatory drug. Proportions: 1 liter of boiling water – 2 tbsp. l. dried flowers. Leave for 30–40 minutes. Wash your face with the broth twice a day. Replace half the chamomile with calendula. The effect will be even more noticeable;
- raspberry infusion. Grind the leaves and flowers, take a dessert spoon of the mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water. After 30 minutes, the acne treatment is ready. Wash your face in the morning and evening, use herbal tea as a lotion several times a day;
- homemade ointment. Beat the egg white well, add 25 g of corn flour and grind. Apply the mixture to problem areas, after drying, rinse;
- sage for acne. Pour 200 ml of hot water into 2 tsp. l. dry raw materials, boil, let it brew for half an hour. Strain, add 1 tsp. honey. Apply gauze moistened with a healing decoction twice a day to the affected areas;
- celandine decoction. Use the active product no more than twice a week. Pour 2 tbsp. l. leaves with a liter of water, boil. After 45 minutes, the natural acne elixir is ready. Do lotions for 15 minutes;
- homemade calendula lotion. Grind fresh or dried flowers, select 2 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour a quarter glass of 40% alcohol or good vodka. Add 1/5 cup of water, 1/3 cup of cologne, 5 ml of boric acid solution, 3 ml of glycerin. Wipe the rash areas in the morning and evening with the prepared product. To treat post-acne (acne marks), use the product 3-4 times. Wipe your skin daily;
- cucumber lotion. You will need 2 medium cucumbers, 200 ml of high quality vodka. Peel the vegetables, chop thinly, fill the jar, pour in vodka. Leave the lotion on the windowsill for 14 days. Strain and wipe the blackheads twice a day. Shelf life: 3–4 weeks. Store homemade lotion in the refrigerator. (More information about cucumber lotion is written on this page).
Method 3: Using Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne
Use tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural treatments available for treating blemishes. Extracted from the leaves of the Australian plant melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that effectively fight acne bacteria on the skin. Simply apply a drop or two of pure tea tree oil to a clean cotton tip and apply directly to the pimple. Do this twice a day and your pimple should disappear in no time!
- Tea tree oil is an essential oil and is therefore extremely concentrated. If you overuse the oil or apply it undiluted to unaffected skin, your skin may become dry and irritated, so use sparingly and only when needed.
- One study found that triple tree oil was just as effective in fighting acne as its chemically laden counterpart, benzoyl peroxide. The tea tree oil did last a little longer, but also produced fewer negative side effects.
Apply honey
Honey is an amazing natural healing product, its antibacterial, antiseptic and moisturizing properties make it a great choice for fighting acne, especially if you have sensitive skin. Honey is the best choice for soothing acne.
- You can apply honey as a spot treatment, or use it as a face mask, applying it all over your face on clean, slightly damp skin. Since honey is non-irritating, you can leave it on for as long as you like.
- One point to make is that honey, like many other home remedies, works to clear up existing pimples (due to its antibacterial nature), but will do little to prevent future pimples (especially those caused by hormonal imbalances).
Try lavender essential oil
Known mainly for its calming and soothing properties, lavender essential oil can also be used as a spot treatment for acne, much like tea tree oil. Lavender oil is often used for burns as it contains healing properties that can also be beneficial for acne. Additionally, lavender oil contains powerful antibacterial agents that help unclog pores, minimizing the appearance of acne.
- To use, apply a dab of undiluted oil directly to the pimple using a cotton tip. Take care not to get it on surrounding skin, as lavender oil can be irritating to the skin when undiluted.
Use aloe vera
Take a large piece of aloe vera. Rub it into the pimple area. Massage aloe vera onto the acne area. Leave it for half an hour. Rinse it off with hot water.
Apply fresh lemon juice
Applying fresh lemon juice on pimples is one of the most popular home remedies. Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, along with citric acid, which helps both exfoliate and dry out pimples. Lemon juice also contains whitening agents that can significantly reduce the redness of pimples. A little fresh lemon juice can be applied directly to each pimple before going to bed and left overnight.
- Lemon juice should not be applied to your skin during the day unless you plan to stay indoors. This is because the juice makes your skin photosensitive, increasing the risk of sun damage.
- Like many other home remedies, lemon juice should only be applied directly to the pimple and not to the surrounding skin. This is due to the ability of the citric acid in lemons to burn the skin.
Use toothpaste
The concept of using toothpaste on problematic acne has been controversial for years. Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide that dry out pimples, helping them go away faster.
- Choose an all-white, fluoride-free toothpaste if possible, and make sure you apply it directly to the pimple and not to the surrounding skin, as other ingredients in the toothpaste can irritate and even burn the skin.
Apply crushed aspirin
The technical name for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is closely related to salicylic acid, a well-known and popular acne treatment. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the size and redness of pimples when applied topically. All you have to do is crush an aspirin tablet and add a drop or two of water to form a paste, which you can then apply directly to each pimple.
- Alternatively, you can make a face mask by crushing five or six aspirin tablets and adding enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste all over your face and leave it on for about ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing it off.
Acne treatment with ultrasound
Remember an important rule: squeezing out acne yourself is prohibited! You can cause an infection and provoke the development of a serious inflammatory process. After healing, unsightly scars and spots will remain on the skin.
Contact a cosmetology clinic. A specialist will perform ultrasonic facial cleansing. An active effect on the epidermis will remove unsightly rashes.
Advantages:
- Ultrasound penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis, opens clogged pores, removes accumulated fat and dead skin particles;
- blood and lymph flow improves, muscles tighten;
- there is no redness or swelling after the procedure, as well as pain during ultrasonic cleaning;
- modern technology allows you to quickly and effectively cleanse the skin without damage;
- The procedure is recommended for people even with sensitive skin.
Prevention of youth troubles
Recommendations:
- proper nutrition;
- careful hygiene;
- care for problem areas using special medicinal cosmetics;
- refusal of fatty, “heavy” types of decorative cosmetics with a dense structure;
- walks in the open air;
- physical exercise;
- regular monitoring of hormonal levels;
- quitting smoking and alcohol.
Do you suffer from acne and don't know what to do? Do not despair! Seek help from an experienced dermatologist, and once again read the tips for patients suffering from juvenile acne. Following the recommendations and careful skin care will help get rid of acne.
Next video. Elena Malysheva will tell you even more details about teenage acne: