Teenage acne is hormone related.
Dr Tiina Meder: “Teenage acne is always caused by hormonal changes. Adulthood is a dramatic time for our endocrine system. Adult acne can also be hormonal, but in most cases it is more complex than that and is often stress-related. The classic acute manifestation of teenage acne involves extreme oiliness of the skin and comedones and quickly develops into severe forms without proper treatment. Adult acne can manifest as a skin sensitivity that slowly progresses to inflammation. Teenage acne is easier to treat with topical skin care, whereas adult acne can be very resistant to therapy.
Treatment for teenage acne should be chosen with caution
Systemic retinoids, such as Roaccutane, may be prescribed for severe forms of acne or as a last resort when all else fails. The NHS recommends Roaccutane only for severe acne that does not respond to other treatments, strictly after the age of 12 and under constant medical supervision, including regular blood tests and mental health checks for depression, suicidal tendencies and other mental health problems.
Topical retinoids (skin care products with retinoids) can be used to treat acne without the risk of serious side effects.
Teenage acne leads to an imbalance in the microbiome, not the other way around.
The hormonal tide that carries children into adulthood is the main cause of teenage acne. The levels of hormones rise so quickly that the skin sometimes reacts badly. Male hormones trigger the hypersecretion of sebum, which makes the skin too oily and changes its quality. The hypersecretion of sebum leads to the change in the microbiome where some pathogenic bacteria and fungi start to grow and cause inflammation with the products of their metabolism.
Teenage acne is not just about pimples.
Spots (pimples, spots) are a symptom of acne, but acne is not limited to pimples, it is a much more complex long-term skin condition. Spots can also be a symptom of other skin conditions, such as rosacea, keratosis pilaris etc. If you suffer from acne, you certainly have pimples, but just because you have pimples doesn’t mean you have acne.
Cosmetic ingredients to treat teenage acne.
The gold standard for teenage acne treatment is skincare based on salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical retinoids (such as tretinoin 0.05% gel). In recent years, prebiotic-based products have come into the spotlight and microbiome-friendly skincare seems to be a safe and effective solution for teens, but it is not yet included in official guidelines.
No soap required.
Sometimes teens (or even their parents) are so afraid of acne that they use overly aggressive products and methods to get rid of it. There is no need to cause skin damage! The new generation of anti-acne products are gentle and comfortable to use. Alcohol toners and harsh soaps are very outdated.
Treat teenage acne without drying out the skin.
The concept of skincare for young adults has taken a new turn, with teen brands offering gentle cleansers and moisturizers that are risk-free after treatment. on dryness and pigmentation of the skin. I applaud this change!
Recommended routine for acne-prone teens.
A nice gentle cleanser would be helpful. Use lukewarm water to wash your face, avoid hot water as it causes inflammation.
The second must-have product is a non-greasy moisturizer enriched with prebiotics, such as alpha-glucan oligosaccharide or inulin to reduce sebum production. Look for one with butyl avocado, Fomes officinalis, green tea, cinnamon bark and chamomile extracts, niacinamide, zinc, phytic acid and azelaic acid)”.
