Suzie's Beauty Tips

Demystifying Teen Acne

What is Teen Acne ?

Teen acne, also known as adolescent acne, is a common skin condition that occurs during adolescence due to hormonal changes. It typically manifests as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes cysts or nodules on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
While there is no one stop shop, today there are many opportunities to manage it.To get the best teen acne treatment there are a number of factors to consider and understand.

Reasons for Teen Acne:
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly androgens like testosterone, stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Androgens play a role in acne so understanding how they work and what keeps them in check is a key point of call.
Genetics: If parents had acne during their teen years, there’s a higher likelihood that their children will also experience it. This does not mean it cannot be managed.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids or certain birth control pills, can worsen acne in some individuals.
Diet: While the relationship between diet and acne is still debated, some studies suggest that certain foods, particularly those high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, may exacerbate acne in some people.
Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes that may worsen acne. Academics, Peer and Parental pressure are some stress contributors.
Poor Hygiene: this is the most under-valued reason. A congested skin will keep getting worse if proper hygiene is not followed.
Inappropriate personal care products : Oil based products, alcohol based products, harsh cleaner, heavy and pore clogging products can aggravate the conditions.

A woman looking down, wearing OBAO nourishing superfood clay mask with baobab.

Psychological Impacts Of Teen Acne

Low Self-Esteem: Acne can negatively affect an adolescent’s self-esteem and self-image. They may feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Social Withdrawal: Teens with acne may avoid social situations or activities where their skin condition could be noticed or judged by others. This withdrawal can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Depression and Anxiety: Persistent acne can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety in teens. They may worry excessively about their appearance, fear being judged or ridiculed by their peers, or feel hopeless about finding effective treatment.
Negative Body Image: Acne can distort a teenager’s body image, causing them to focus excessively on perceived flaws and imperfections. This can lead to dissatisfaction with their appearance and unrealistic expectations of beauty standards.
Academic and Career Impacts: Some adolescents may experience difficulties concentrating on schoolwork or performing well in academic settings due to the emotional distress caused by acne. Additionally, concerns about appearance may impact their career aspirations and confidence in professional settings.
Risk of Eating Disorders: In severe cases, adolescents with acne may develop unhealthy eating habits or even eating disorders as a means of controlling their weight or attempting to improve their skin condition.
Impact on Relationships: Acne can affect relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Teens may feel insecure or unworthy of love and acceptance, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
It’s essential for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to be aware of the psychological effects of teen acne and offer support and understanding to adolescents experiencing these challenges.

Counseling, support groups, and interventions that promote self-esteem and coping skills can be beneficial in addressing the psychological impacts of acne.

Additionally, seeking timely and effective treatment for acne can help alleviate both the physical and psychological symptoms associated with the condition.

Best Treatment For Teen Acne

Get medical advice. Many people either ignore the problem or don’t get the right guidance. Common medications used for acne include retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid and in really bad cases antibiotics. It is important to use proper medical guidance as these can have side effects too.

Encourage your teen to talk about these issues. Having open conversations , demystifies the condition and helps you teen accept it making treatment of it easier.

Change your diet : high fibre and low sugar.

Incorporate a simple skincare routine that works as daily maintenance to improve on hygiene. Look for the ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C, clays and oat in oil formulations of cleansers, masks and serums that keep the skin clean, balance excessive oil production and decongest pores.

At O’BAO we have curated the most simple and easy to use Acne Prone Skincare Bundle for daily skin maintenance. Containing plant based ingredients, rich in antioxidant, vitamins and oil free this kit will help your teen boost their journey to clearer skin.