I was a teen forever ago...how do I manage my teen's acne?

There are many treatments available for teenage acne it can be so overwhelming to decide which regimen is best and it can also be costly $$ Here are some recommendations to try before breaking the bank....

• Have your teen use over-the-counter acne products, and wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser twice daily. Look for products that contain topical benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Apply cleanser with fingertips, and rinse skin with lukewarm water.

• After washing the skin, treat with a topical product containing adapelene. Adapelene is helpful in unclogging pores and preventing new breakouts. A pea-sized amount should be applied to the entire face, avoiding easily irritated areas, such as the eyes and mouth. It also can be applied to the chest and back, if needed.

• Avoid facial scrubs, astringents and facial cleanser masks, as well as excessive scrubbing and washing. This can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

• Remind your teen to use acne treatment, but only remind them occasionally. A small study shows that fewer reminders from parents are more effective than reminding your child each day, which can be viewed as nagging.

• Do not touch or pick at problem areas. This can trigger acne, lead to infections and cause scarring.

• Your teen should use shampoo every day. This is especially needed if he or she has oily hair or problem areas around the hairline.

• Shower after activities that cause sweat and oil production. Exercising and wearing a hat or helmet can increase sweat and oil production.

• Treat acne early. It is easier to treat a few pimples than a breakout. Early treatment also can help prevent acne in adult years and reduce scars.

• Protect skin from the sun. Sun exposure can make acne worse, and some medications make skin susceptible to the sun’s rays. If your teen is planning to be in the sun, have them apply a nonoily moisturizer that includes sunscreen.

• Avoid excessive amounts of cosmetics. Cosmetics can cause pores to clog and worsen acne.

• Protect skin from items that create friction or cause pressure. Phones, helmets, backpacks, and tight collars and straps are examples.

• Help your teenager manage and reduce stress. Stress can cause acne to flare.

It can take many months or years for acne to clear up completely. With most prescription acne drugs, you may not see results for four to eight weeks. The treatment regimen your doctor recommends depends on your age, the type and severity of your acne, and what you are willing to commit to.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that if a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take two to three months or longer to see clearing. If you notice improvement, keep using the treatment. Even when you see clearing, you’ll want to keep using the acne treatment. This helps to prevent new breakouts.

Consistency is key, however. every teenager is different. Hormones, diet, and genetics are important factors in your child's acne outcomes and can fluctuate from year to year. If your teen is developing poor self-esteem or body image due to their acne, speak to a licensed professional and see if chemical peels, prescription medications, or acne facials can help.

We'd love to meet your teenage at Luminous Health & Wellness and can tailor a customized regimen for him/her book a free consultation today.