How To Control Acne In Teens

May 2, 2008

By the time we reach adulthood, most of us have already dealt with the gnawing feelings of mild shame and embarrassment from acne. We experienced such things in our teens and twenties. But, teenagers don’t often have the same perspective. Already self-conscious about their bodies and how they appear to their peers, acne can have emotional and psychological impacts. Fortunately, with a little planning and diligence, teenagers can minimize the intensity of their acne and lessen the chances of long-lasting scars.

Acne Happens Naturally

Acne is a result of blocked oil in the pores. The production of this oil is regulated by hormones. Unfortunately, young adults’ hormones can often become hyperactive, leading to an increased production of oil. The overabundance of oil in the blocked pores essentially makes teenagers more susceptible to acne than adults (whose hormones are usually less active).

The Things Teenagers Should Avoid

Despite teenagers’ hormones making them more vulnerable to acne than adults, there are measures they can take to control it. They should consider replacing oil-based makeup and suntan oil with alternatives. Both are known to aggravate the buildup of oil in the pores. They should also avoid picking or squeezing their pimples. It’s not uncommon for a teenager to absent-mindedly pick or scratch pimples while sitting in class. Unfortunately, it can cause tissue damage. Finally, they should avoid scrubbing their face vigorously. This can also cause tissue damage and prevent the skin from healing.

Treating Acne with Home Remedies

There are many over-the-counter solutions that teenagers can use to help control their acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be effective as well as resorcinol. It’s important to note that some people have a reaction to these medications. Plus, they can often take up to 8 weeks to provide a noticeable difference. If the acne is severe or the over-the-counter solutions don’t provide relief, it’s time to see a dermatologist.

Visiting A Dermatologist

A dermatologist can offer advice regarding the most appropriate way to handle a teenager’s acne problem. If the store-bought remedies aren’t working and the acne persists, the dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications. They will typically start with antibiotics. If they prove effective, there’s no reason to prescribe more potent solutions. However, if the antibiotics don’t work, the dermatologist can suggest a tretinoin remedy such as Retin-A (though it’s usually only used for severe acne conditions). Alternatively, a isotretinoin solution such as Accutane can be prescribed.

Though these remedies seem appealing because of their effectiveness, there can be inherent side effects. For example, isotretinoin has been known to cause miscarriages. Teenagers should use caution when considering these medications.

Managing Acne And Preventing Scars

Even when teenagers do everything in their power to control their acne condition, it’s still possible for them to experience severe acne. The advice above still applies. Taking the precautions mentioned in this article will reduce the chances of acne scars. However, if a teenager finds that their acne is becoming a significant problem and scars seem imminent, they should seek the advice of a dermatologist. Stronger solutions may be necessary.

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How To Prevent Acne Scars

April 27, 2008

It’s estimated that nearly 80% of people under the age of 30 deal with acne. It may appear in different forms with varying levels of severity, but nearly everyone experiences it. Some people are fortunate; the acne goes away without leaving the slightest mark or blemish. Others are less fortunate. For them, acne can be severe, often persisting and leaving unsightly scars in its wake.

While there are several treatments (surgical and otherwise) available to lessen the intensity or even eliminate scarring, there’s plenty you can do to help prevent them in the first place. Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how you can help prevent acne scars.

Catching It Early

The most important factor in preventing acne scars is to treat the acne when it first appears. While it’s impossible to predict how severe acne lesions will be before they manifest, there is a correlation between how long acne lasts and the likelihood of scarring. Left on its own, acne can become inflamed, causing significant damage to the underlying skin tissue. It’s the body’s natural reaction to this damage that creates acne scars. If you identify and treat acne early, you can prevent the tissue damage from happening.

Don’t Attack It

Most people have an enduring (and inexplicable) need to take their acne in their own hands (literally). Rather than applying a remedy like benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating their skin, they prefer to squeeze or “pop” their pimples. But, doing this can actually heighten the chances or scarring. When you squeeze a pimple, the material (oil, bacteria, skin cells) collected in the follicle can be forced deeper. If the follicle wall ruptures deep, the dermis can be infiltrated by this material, causing tissue damage. Rather than squeezing your pimples and zits, apply a remedy like benzoyl peroxide.

Homeopathic Prevention

Some dermatologists suggest a more “natural” approach to preventing acne scars. They can recommend herbal remedies such as primrose and black currant oil (usually ingested in capsule form). Often, teas such as those made from echinacea, goldenseal and calendula are advised. A diet with a high content of beta-carotene is believed to help prevent severe acne and thereby, avert acne scarring. While there’s no definitive link between this approach and acne scars, many people claim it’s effective.

Doing Your Part At Home

Most dermatologists agree that the best way to prevent scarring from acne is to wash your face regularly with a mild soap and treat acne early. Apply Retin-A or a solution with benzoyl peroxide. If the acne has become inflamed, try to avoid the sun. The UV rays can slow down your skin’s healing process and even cause additional damage. Don’t pick, pull, squeeze, or pop your pimples. Though doing so may give you a feeling of relief, you run the risk of damaging your skin tissue. In the end, there’s a lot you can do on your own to prevent getting acne scars. If you’re suffering from severe acne lesions, consider asking a dermatologist for recommendations. Their suggestions may help keep your skin smooth and blemish-free.

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What Causes Acne Scars?

April 23, 2008

A severe case of acne is bad enough. But, when the acne disappears only to leave a trail of visible scars, it’s doubly-frustrating. Acne scars are often a permanent reminder of a skin disorder that can affect anyone. But, the damage left behind can have long-lasting impacts. Below, you’ll learn what causes acne scars and why the skin often has difficulty repairing itself after the acne disappears.

Spots Vs. Scars

Small red spots are often mistaken for acne scarring. But, they’re not scars. Those spots are called macules and mark the position of inflamed acne wounds. When the inflamed acne finally disappears, these macules are left behind. In effect, it’s the skin’s last stage of repair and can last up to 6 months. Over time, like the acne lesions that precede them, they go away without leaving any trace of their presence.

Deep Breaks Of The Follicle

Acne occurs when the pore of a hair follicle is plugged with dead skin cells. The oil (called sebum) produced by that follicle’s sebaceous gland is trapped within the follicle. Eventually, the sebum, bacteria and skin cells causes the follicle wall to break. If the break happens close to the surface of the skin, the acne is typically small and goes away quickly. However, if the follicle’s wall suffers a deep break, the sebum, bacteria and other matter infiltrates the dermis, damaging skin tissue.

Your Body’s Repair Job

Your body’s immune system immediately reacts to the damage that was done to the skin tissue. Using inflammatory molecules and a host of white blood cells, it acts quickly to repair the damage and defend the area against infection. To patch up the affected skin, your body creates collagen fibers. Unfortunately, the fibers formed to replace the eroded skin can have a haphazard look. The result is acne scar tissue.

There are Two Types Of Acne Scars

Acne scarring can manifest in 2 ways: raised or depressed. Each type is caused by different circumstances. When your body begins to patch up the affected area by creating collagen fibrous tissue, it can literally go into overdrive. Called hypertrophy, it produces too much collagen in response to the damaged tissue. The fibers pile on top of each other, resulting in a raised mass of new skin tissue. The new tissues are often called keloids. After the keloids have been created, their size may decrease over several years.

If an insufficient amount of collagen fibers are created to heal the skin, it can result in depressed scars. These can appear as tiny “dents” across the affected area and are far more common than keloids.

Dealing With Acne Scars

Scarring caused from severe acne can be psychologically debilitating. Because they’re often positioned on the face, they’re easily visible. Fortunately, there are several potential treatments that can be used to either diminish or eliminate the scars. The type of scarring and its severity will affect which treatment is appropriate for you. A dermatologist can offer advice and suggestions to treat acne scars. Relief may be closer than you think.

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What Are Whiteheads And Blackheads

April 22, 2008

Acne comes in different forms. Some appear as red bumps. They look like small areas of inflamed skin tissue and are typically sensitive to the touch. Others are known as “comedones.” They represent the first stage of blockage in the pores when a follicle becomes plugged with oil from the sebaceous gland and dead skin cells. Comedones are more commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. Below, we’ll describe the difference between the two types of comedones as well as how to treat them when they appear.

Difference Between Whiteheads And Blackheads

Whiteheads are referred to as closed comedones. They contain sebum (oil secreted from the glands) and dead skin cells and have a tiny opening on the surface of the skin. However, this opening is so small that air cannot penetrate to oxidize the material trapped inside the follicle. As a result, this material remains white (hence, its name).

By contrast, blackheads (referred to as open comedones) have an opening on the skin’s surface that is much wider. They’re filled with the same material, but the larger opening allows air to reach the sebum and skin cells. When this happens, the oxidation creates a chemical process that causes the material to turn black.

Treatment For Whiteheads And Blackheads

The best way to treat (or prevent) whiteheads and blackheads is to maintain good hygiene. Simply washing your face with warm water and a mild soap 3 times a day can help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells. Also, avoid using oil-based makeup. It tends to worsen the plugging of pores.

If the whiteheads and blackheads are persistent, consider using benzoyl peroxide. It can lessen the amount of plugging. Plus, it often reduces the chemical reaction that happens when air makes contact with the material in the follicle (thereby preventing further blackheads). If infection occurs (or spreads), use an antibiotic. Your dermatologist will need to prescribe it. But, note that antibiotics will only have an effect on whiteheads and blackheads that are infected.

A Little Consistency Goes A Long Way

Acne affects nearly everyone. But, the intensity of this skin disorder can often be controlled. By consistently washing your face with a mild soap and applying benzoyl peroxide (or stronger remedies), you can prevent the spread and infection of comedones. When the acne is severe and conventional treatment isn’t effective, consult your dermatologist. Otherwise, be diligent in the treatment and care of your skin. Though whiteheads and blackheads are common, getting rid of them is usually within your power.

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What Causes Acne?

April 18, 2008

Our bodies are covered with sebaceous glands, hair follicles and of course, hair. These glands, follicles and the pores on the surface of our skin work together to nourish and moisturize our skin and hair. When something goes awry, acne appears. Despite what some people think, it usually has very little to do with hygiene. Instead, it’s a skin disorder that can affect anyone. Below, we’ll explain the process your body goes through to produce acne.

It Begins In Your Glands

Your sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles. Hormones act as a catalyst for these glands, causing them to create sebum, an oil that helps your skin and hair retain a healthy sheen. Ideally, the sebum would fill the follicles and overflow onto your skin’s surface through your pores.

Unfortunately, your pores can become blocked. Your skin cells are constantly sloughed off. They can fill the follicle and close the exit through your pores. In essence, they plug the pores. When the sebum is blocked from reaching your skin’s surface, it builds and eventually created whiteheads and blackheads.

Your Body Fights Back

Your body produces a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. It’s not harmful. In fact, its primary function is to deflect other bacteria from your skin. However, when sebum is confined within the hair follicle, this bacteria is drawn to it to feed. When this happens, the follicle attracts white blood cells. Over time, the walls of the follicle begin breaking down, allowing the sebum to penetrate the dermis.

When the contents of your hair follicles begin to infiltrate the dermis, your body’s immune system reacts. It realizes that the sebum and chemicals entering the dermis from the follicles shouldn’t be there. When your immune system attempts to purge these elements, your skin can become inflamed. As a result, you’ll often see swelling in the affected area of your skin. This inflammation can manifest as pimples and even small cysts.

Understanding Outside Stimuli

You’ve probably heard that acne can emerge as a result of your diet, stress level, use of cosmetics and even tight clothes. These things, by themselves, don’t cause acne. Rather, they can often exacerbate the blockage of your pores. For example, some cosmetics are comprised of heavy creams and oils. They can clog the pores, preventing sebum from escaping the follicles to the surface of your skin.

Acne Can Affect Anyone

Again, acne isn’t typically a hygiene issue. Instead, it’s a matter of hormones producing oil (sebum) which can’t reach the skin’s surface because the pores are blocked by dead skin cells. But, the road to curing (and preventing) acne is paved with the understanding of how the body produces it. If you’re dealing with mild acne, any number of over-the-counter remedies can help. If your acne is severe, a dermatologist can provide a more appropriate treatment.

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