Teenage Acne: Skincare routine to prevent, manage & reduce acne in teens
Becoming a teenager brings with it many exciting changes and new challenges in life, but perhaps the most annoying and unwelcome one is teenage acne. Acne is a rite of passage for almost every teenager, often leading to emotional upset during this stressful time as it can bring with it embarrassment. As a consequence it can also lead to depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, as well as low self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a parent, it is important to understand how you can help your teen manage this condition, so in this article we’re covering all you need to know about teenage acne – the remedies, treatments, prevention tips and more. Plus we’re answering all your burning questions…
Does teenage acne go away? Are there any specific teenage acne products? What are the best teenage acne treatments that work? Keep reading to find out.
What is teenage acne?
Acne is a common skin condition, where small bumps develop on the face, chest and back. These inflamed bumps can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, or painful and pus-filled pustules and cysts. Contrary to popular belief about teenage acne, diet or poor hygiene does not always cause breakouts - the real culprit is hormonal changes that every adolescent goes through at this age.
What causes teenage acne?
Simply put, teenage acne is caused by natural hormonal changes that occur around puberty and thereafter. As one enters puberty, the production of the hormone androgen is increased. This hormone produces an oily substance called sebum on the skin which acts as a lubricant to naturally moisturise the skin.
However, sebum, mixed with dead skin cells and bacteria, can get clogged in the pores and hair follicles on the skin which leads to inflammation, pimples, cysts, and breakouts. Teenage acne can also be triggered by genetic predisposition, certain makeup products and the environment.
What are the most common types of teenage acne?
Not all teenage acne is the same, and the course of treatment and prevention for each type of acne is different too.
Comedones or Non-inflammatory acne
Commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads. When pores become clogged with bacteria, dead cells and excess oils but stay open, they look like a small black bump on your skin. These are blackheads. When these pores close, they look white or flesh coloured. They are then called whiteheads.
How to treat it:
These aren’t filled with dirt so you can’t rub or scrub them off. A common misconception is that you should exfoliate these away, however this will only aggravate the acne. Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads involves using skincare that contains retinoids and a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. However, it’s important to always get a professional opinion for teenage acne before starting any new skincare regime, as not all skincare products are created equal
Inflammatory acne
When bacteria gets deeper into the pores it can cause an infections. As a natural response, the area around the pores becomes a red, swollen, or painful pimple. This is called inflammatory acne. Depending upon the severity of the infection, they are normally classified in the following types:
1. Papules
As excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria go deeper into the pores and cause redness and swelling, small and red bumps occur. These are called papules or blemishes.
How to treat it: Washing the face twice with a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is recommended. However, it is best to get an opinion from a dermatologist for the best treatment for your skin, since teenage acne will not go away naturally unless the right course of action is taken.
2. Pustules
As the infection grows, pimples can get filled with white or yellow pus. These are often painful and are protruding from the skin.
How to treat it: Cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are again a good choice, however the urge to burst these pus-filled pimples or drain them should be avoided. This can cause the infection to get worse and the acne to aggravate.
3. Nodules and Cysts
As the infected and swollen pores get larger, they penetrate deeper into the skin and form nodules and painful cysts that also leave scars.
How to treat it: This type of acne cannot be managed at home, and it is important to take advice from a professional who will prescribe a skincare routine as well as oral and topical teenage acne medication, like isotretinoin.
Acne treatment routines for teens by skin type
While there are different types of teenage acne, the treatment also varies based on your teen’s skin type.
Step 1: Cleanse both in the morning and night – Wash your face thoroughly but stay gentle without any vigorous scrubbing.
For oily and combination skin, choose a product with Salicylic Acid like the LIRA ICE Sal Cleanser with Plant Stem Cells.
For dry and sensitive skin, choose a gentle cleanser with hydrating ingredients such as our LIRA Clinical BIO Enzyme Cleanser.
Step 2: Use a toner – A toner with an active ingredient like glycolic or lactic acid is recommended after washing the face, for all skin types.
Step 3: Moisturise always – A good moisturiser should never be skipped, even if you think your skin is oily and doesn’t need it. Get an oil-based formula for dry skin, and a water based one for oily and combination skin. We love the LIRA ICE Balancing Lotion with PSC which provides lightweight hydration, without clogging pores.
Step 4: Don’t skip the sunscreen – For oily and combination skin be sure to purchase an oil-free sunscreen so that it doesn’t make your face sticky or greasy. We recommend the SPF solar shield 30 oil free by Lira Skincare for oily skin and SPF solar shield 30 hydrating by Lira Skincare for dry and sensitive skin.
Step 5: Have some extra essentials in your bag – A quick fix product like the ICE Clear Stick by Lira offers spot treatment for any sudden blemishes and pimples on oily and combination skin. On the other hand, a serum with Vitamin C and Retinol like the Pro C4 retinol serum with PSC is great for managing acne and breakouts while enriching the skin.
How to prevent, reduce and manage teenage acne
While there are a lot of teenage acne treatments that work, following a regular skincare regime can help reduce and prevent teenage acne. Here are some tried and tested tips:
Wash don’t scrub: It is a common misconception that oily skin leads to acne and many therefore harshly try to scrub the breakouts away. Never scrub the face or go too harsh with the cleansing – use a mild product and lukewarm water to wash the face and use a gentle, circular motion to massage the skin. Scrubbing and rubbing can irritate the pores and aggravate teenage acne even more.
Watch what you eat: While there is no scientific research that backs the claim that certain foods can cause acne, a healthy diet is essential for overall gut health. If you notice that certain foods high in sugar, dairy or processed fats are causing you to break out more, cut back and switch to a more balanced, moderate diet consisting of fresh produce and a lot of water.
Use the right products: Look for the label ‘non-comedogenic’ when shopping for teenage skincare products and makeup. These products don’t clog the pores and let the skin breathe, leading to fewer breakouts and less irritation. Following the right skincare routine for the type of your skin after consultation with a professional is one of the best ways to manage, prevent and recover from teenage acne.
Cleanse after you exercise: After any physical and sweaty activity, make sure to wash the face and top it off with the prescribed moisturiser. This will reduce the risks of bacteria getting deeper into the pores.
Moisturise, protect and hydrate: Moisturiser and sunscreen are your best friends! A lot of teens skip these essential products, thinking these will make the skin oilier. This is a myth – your skin actually produces more oil when it is stripped clear of the natural oils and moisture, and the excess sebum leads to more breakouts. The LIRA Clinical range is what we recommend since these products are gentle yet formulated with the right ingredients to reduce teenage acne on forehead, cheeks, chin and back.
No picking and popping: The urge to pop pimples can be strong, and we’ve all been tempted a time or two. However, it’s likely to cause more harm than good. Popping pimples not only gives bacteria a chance to enter the skin but it can also cause permanent scarring. Picking at your acne can also lead to even more acne. Resist the urge and give the teenage acne treatment prescribed by a professional a chance to work.
If you know a teen struggling with acne and breakouts, book a consultation at the clinic today and find the right combination of teenage acne products and treatments that work. We have all been there – the fight against acne can be won! Give your teen the confidence to love themselves and their skin.