Teen Acne Treatments

Teen Acne Treatments

Teen Acne Treatments  |  Although there is no scientific proof that stress brings on acne, many teens have experienced a break out right before big events in their lives. Excess amounts of these hormones cause sebaceous glands (oil glands) to become over active.

Normally, oil produced at regular levels is excreted through your skin's surface. When oil is over produced it combines with dead skin cells, which your body naturally sheds, clumping together to form a sticky plug, resulting in acne. This combination traps oil and bacteria clogging the pore, making it impossible for the oil that is being produced to get to the skin's surface.

In boys the principal androgens are testosterone which plays an important role in male traits and reproduction. Boys grow faster because they have higher levels of testosterone in their bloodstream than girls, however, their growth spurts comes at the end of puberty. Testosterone triggers bone cells to become more dense and heavier, finally broadening the chest and shoulders.

In girls the main purpose of androgens is for the conversion of estrogen. Teenage girls with an over productions of androgens cause excess hair growth in places like the chin or upper lip. This can be very alarming, but with proper hair removing facial creams, waxing or threading this can be put under control. Girls also experience monthly flare ups due to premenstrual cycle, along with some emotional mood swings.

Teen Acne Treatments

Acne will usually go away on its own, but it can take many years. There are treatments that can help clear acne more quickly. Over-the-counter treatments can help with mild acne. Ask a pharmacist for advice on which treatment could help and how long you will have to use it. You may not see results for several weeks.

These medications, or a combination of them, can also be used to treat mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne, which has some pustules and nodules. It can take up to eight weeks before you see a difference in your skin, and treatment may need to be continued for six months.

If acne is severe, your GP can refer you to a dermatologist who may prescribe a stronger medication called isotretinoin (Roaccutane). Find out about acne treatments, including isotretinoin.