Acne and ongoing pimple issues can lead to insecurity and self-esteem issues, especially in young people.
Acne is a common problem, up to 90 per cent of teenagers will experience it and about 10 per cent of adults will have ongoing issues.
Central Dermatology Clinic’s Dr Christina Sander shares her advice on how to achieve healthy skin.
Teenage acne
Just when our appearance becomes so important and we want to look our best, acne can begin to be a real problem.
Some teens seem to not worry too much about acne. For most teenagers, however, this especially visible skin problem can be upsetting.
If your teenager seems troubled by acne, here is how you can help:
- Take acne seriously
Telling your teen that the pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes will eventually clear on their own may do more harm than good. Studies show that self-esteem rises when acne clears. Without treatment, acne sometimes becomes severe, potentially leaving significant scars in the affected areas.
- Healthy diet
Teenagers are often attracted to unhealthy food. While for a long time it was thought that acne is not diet related, there is increasing evidence that there is a link
- Start acne treatments early on
Acne can often be prevented from flaring up by starting a routine of regularly using suitable skin care products that are non-comedogenic and anti-bacterial. Teenagers need to be reminded that regular use of those products is essential. For severe acne or a family history of severe acne, a dermatologist should be consulted.
Adult acne
A treatment that worked so well during our teen years can be useless — or make acne worse.
If this happens, you may wonder whether those blemishes really are acne. After all, do adults get acne?
They sure do. It is even possible to get acne for the first time as an adult.
Reasons for adult acne can include:
- Fluctuating hormone levels
- Family history
- Hair and skin care products
- Medication side effect
- Undiagnosed medical condition.
If nothing clears your acne, you should see a dermatologist. Effective treatment is available.
