Teen Acne Treatment

What is teenage acne? Teenage acne can be devastating. Teen life generally revolves around social interaction. Teen acne can cause an extremely poor self-image, anxiety, and social inhibition. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty. If your parents had acne as teens, or have adult acne, you may have a higher chance of getting it yourself.

As a teen’s body starts to mature, it develops hormones which begin to stimulate the sebaceous glands, creating more sebum. Pores become clogged when there is additional sebum and extra dead skin cells. Bacteria, which becomes locked inside the clogged pores, mutlipy and cause acne. Teenage acne can appear on the face, cheek, chin, forehead, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Teen acne is not a dangerous health risk but if severe it can result in some permanent scarring. Teenage acne comes in the common form of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. An average of 8 out of every 10 teens suffer from teenage acne.

There are many different teen acne treatments one can choose from. Topical over-the-counter drug treatments are one of the possible methods you can use for teen acne treatment. Over-the-counter or OTC medications include the powerful ingredients of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur. They are available in the form of gel, lotion, cleanser, acne creams, soap, or pads. It usually takes one to two months to notice visible results with regular use. Some of these popular brands include clean&clear, Noxema, Neutrogena, and Clearsil.

Prescription topical drug treatments are also used as teen acne treatments. Prescription strength benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, tretinoin, adaplene, and azelaic acid are administered to teens through certified dermatologists. Prescription oral drug treatments are selected for moderate to severe teenage acne cases. These are usually prescribed in addition to prescription topical drug treatments. Oral antibiotics aid with the control of acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and easing inflammation. The most effective oral prescription acne treatment is a drug called Accutane or Isotretinoin. Accutane reduces the size of oil glands, decreasing the development of acne and is taken daily for about 16 to 20 weeks at a time. Accutane is commonly used for people who are acne prone. Women who are of child bearing age including teens must not be pregnant and must not become pregnant while on Accutane.