As your teen approaches puberty, they may join the many thousands who are affected by acne. Ranging from mild cases with occasional breakouts on an otherwise clear face to severe eruptions that consistently cover the dermis and other parts of the body, acne is common in teens.

Acne is not confined to just the face, but can appear on a teen’s back, chest and other areas. Aside from the actual physical scarring that acne can cause, it can also wreak havoc on a teen’s fragile emotions and impact their self esteem. Derogatory terms, like “pizza face”, can wound as deeply as a direct punch. The humiliation suffered by teens with problem acne can be as bad as the blemishes themselves.

The antibacterial cleansers, balancing toners and oil-free moisturizers available in drug stores are helpful for mild cases of acne. Make sure your teenager sticks to a daily skin care regimen, as this will help to shorten the length of outbreaks and prevent future eruptions. Parents should remind their teenagers that a healthy diet and daily skin care will not only help win their battle with acne, but also be a part of a healthy lifestyle that will shape their body into maturity.

For severe, persistent cases of acne, intervention is required. The facial dermis can be permanently scarred from the ever-present pustules, zits and blemishes that cover the face in extreme cases of acne. Parents of a teen with such severe acne should seek professional assistance from a dermatologist. These doctors specialize in problems with the dermis, with human skin. They have arsenals of prescription medications and cutting edge medical treatments that can reduce the number of eruptions and help prevent permanent scarring. Sometimes a dermatologist will be able to find other problems that are contributing to the acne eruptions, such as eczema. If over the counter preparations are not producing visible results, you should consider an appointment with a dermatologist.

Parents need to remind their children that, regardless of whether their acne is mild or severe, their value to you and your love for them has not changed. Assist them in developing a daily skin care regimen, purchase acne preparations to help them control outbreaks. Plan your family’s meals so they are both healthy and nutritious. If warranted, bring your child to a dermatologist.

The importance of a parent’s role in the teenage years cannot be overemphasized. Helping them fight their acne problem will strengthen your bond, and help them get through this period unscathed.

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categories: Teenagers,Acne,Parenting