The Challenge of Acne: How to Help Your Teenager Cope

With the onset of puberty teenagers are faced with many challenges, among them is trying to understand the new emotional roller coaster they may be going through, as well as the various changes in their body, both internal and external. One of the external changes that many young people experience is acne.

Causes of Acne

Acne is caused when dead skin cells and oil clog the pores. The challenge of acne can be further aggravated when germs get into the pores resulting in redness, swelling and eventually pus. The latter stage is referred to as whitehead or blackhead, depending on the appearance. Acne usually starts with puberty because changes in the hormones cause oil production to increase. While the medical community informs that you cannot get oily skin or acne from eating chocolates and other types of sweets, they agree that using products that clog, rather than clean, the pores should be avoided at all costs.

What Can Parents or Older Persons Do to Help?

Depending on the severity of the acne outbreak, teenagers can become extremely self-conscious to the point where it damages their self-esteem and they prefer to shut themselves off from their friends and associates. Here are some suggestions on hot to help your teenager cope:

1. Boost their self confidence by finding positive things to say about them and give them due commendation. He or she needs to know that while they are understandably concerned about their outward appearance, the person they are on the inside is important and highly valuable and true friends will recognize that.

2. Give them proper guidance. Guide them in using correct products for their skin. Provide them with products that are marked "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means they will not clog the pores. Look for products specifically designed for acne skin care - products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and teach them how to test for allergies when using these products, and how to use them. Remember that while many teenagers are 'tech savvy", they likely know nothing about caring for their skin and how to handle the challenge of acne.

3. Take them to see a dermatologist. This is not always required, but some teenagers experience severe cases of acne that require more than over-the-counter treatment. Then again, give them attention to ensure they are following through.