Tips For Helping Your Teen Cope With Acne

Every parent remembers being a teen and, whether they had problems with school, dating, acne (or all of the above), every parent knows that they will eventually have to share their teenage dramas with their children.  Acne can be one of the biggest dramas of any teen’s life and, when a teenager has acne their parents also struggle to find ways to help them overcome the pain and embarrassment of the situation. Therefore, it is important that parents encourage conversation with their teens to make sure they know that you are just as concerned about their skin as they are.  Or you can even share your own acne experiences with them.  After all, learning that you survived acne might help them realize that they will too…even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Acne Tips for Parents of Teens

One of the most important things to tell your teenager is that they are not alone. In fact, at least 85 percent of young adults suffer from acne. And, while this fact probably won’t make teens feel good about their acne, it may help them to know that their condition is not unique. Unfortunately, acne statistics cannot cure actual acne problems and teenagers will likely still feel embarrassed by their appearance so the next important step is to seek out help for your teen. How severe their acne is will determine what steps are needed to control it. Sometimes all that is needed is a daily acne care system; however, if the acne is persistent, medical help may be necessary.  Since there are many treatment options, it may take time before you find the one that is best for your teen.

One of the most popular topical treatments is Benzoyl Peroxide, an over-the-counter medication found in many acne creams and face washes. If this is not enough to curb the acne, you can look into a daily system, which combines a gently abrasive cleanser with repairing Benzoyl Peroxide lotion and a toner.  If the acne is moderate or severe, a dermatologist might recommend prescription medications.

There are also certain procedures that can be performed on the skin. These are often very effective in clearing away problem skin areas and helping the skin create fresh healthy cells. Two of these options are chemical peels and microdermabrasion. With a chemical peel, a liquid chemical is applied to the affected area and, over the next few days, peels away the skin (like a sunburn) revealing new, unaffected skin underneath.  Microdermabrasion is an abrasive treatment that gently exfoliates and unclogs pores.

Acne can affect the mental health of teens, causing them embarrassment and maybe even alienation from their peers.  Therefore, in addition to talking with your teens and helping them find effective acne treatments, another good way to address this is to get them involved with a support group so that they can connect with people their age, discuss their frustrations, find out about good acne products, and share acne success stories. As any parent knows, acne issues facing teens are more than skin deep but, if you work with your teen to find treatments that will help clear their skin, you will also help them to get past the experience and enjoy their teenage years.