Controlling Teen Age Acne – A Comprehensive Anti-Acne Program

Acne – without a doubt – is a teenager’s most despised problem. Acne pimples, cysts, blackheads and whiteheads can ravage a young person’s skin and destroy self-esteem. The best time to begin acne treatment is as soon as it becomes evident. Acne usually progressively worsens if untreated. Prevention and control is preferred – before acne has had a chance to take over and cause scarring and psychological damage.

Acne affects approximately 85% of the population among 15-24 year olds. Very few people manage to escape their teenage and young adult years without some pimples and blackheads.

Adolescent boys and young men (13 – 25 yrs old) have higher levels of androgens (hormones that rule the development of the sexual organs) than females so they are more likely to have acne and unfortunately, are also more likely to have severe acne. Acne in guys usually settles during their early 20s.

Females are more likely to suffer with ongoing acne. In some cases, this means acne can be hanging around even in your 30s and 40s. Females can also develop acne for the first time after puberty.

What Causes Teen Age Acne

Acne is so common in teens that 8 out of 10 teens will be affected. Teen acne is a skin condition caused by sebum that causes bumps on the face, back, and chest. They are commonly referred to as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts.  Sebaceous glands (also known as oil glands), makes this natural moisturizer ) sebum)for your skin. As a lubricant, sebum is a good thing.

But sebum can also clog your hair follicles, also known as pores, which makes the skin “sticky” and difficult to shed. This combination of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria within a clogged pore is what causes a pimple.

The Emotional Toll of Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), teen acne can result in low self-esteem and self-confidence, poor body image, social withdrawal, and even depression, anger, and anxiety. Acne can be especially challenging when teens deal with bullying or name-calling as a result of perceived imperfections on their skin

Attack Plan for Treating Acne

• Increase cell turnover to keep pores from clogging
• Introduce oxygen into the pore to stop the bacteria growth
• Use antibiotics to kill and control bacteria
• Slow down natural oil production
• Specific Treatments for different levels of Acne

I. Very mild acne can often be treated successfully with non prescription acne-fighting preparations and special cleansers. Because acne skin is sensitive skin, it is important to use products that don’t throw your already wounded skin into deeper distress. Dr. Gross recommends certain acne-formulation cleansers, toners, moisturizers, spot treatments and sunscreens for acne-affected skin.

II. Mild to Mid-Moderate Acne may need additional treatment resources such as oral and/or topical antibiotics, hormone therapy.

III. Moderate to Severe Acne may not respond to normal measures and in some cases resistance to antibiotics renders them useless.

Dr. Alexander Gross has treated thousands of teen age acne patients. In fact it is one of the top reasons that people bring their children to Georgia Dermatology Center because of his experience and expertise in treating acne.

If you have a child, or you yourself have acne, make an appointment as soon as possible ( 770-781-5077) to get started on a treatment plan for what can be a devastating condition.  People come to Dr. Gross from all over the Atlanta area for acne treatment including Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Duluth, Sandy Springs, and Milton, Georgia.