Clear Skin Confidence: Helping Your Teen Tackle Acne

Teenage acne can be a source of stress, tears, and frustration, often leading to lowered self-esteem. Many parents make the mistake of dismissing the issue, hoping it will resolve itself. However, ignoring or improperly treating teenage acne can exacerbate the problem, leading to long-term consequences. To understand how to address teenage acne, we consulted with Jeanne Vladimirovna Kudina, a certified cosmetologist at the Medical Center “MedAvenue”.

Taking Action: The First Step

Acne and pimples can first appear in children as young as 8 or 9 years old. The most crucial step is to take action rather than ignoring the problem. Instead of rushing to the supermarket and falling for the promises of various brands, it’s essential to consult with a qualified specialist, such as a dermatologist or a cosmetologist.

Every individual is unique, and what may cause a pimple in one person might not be the same for another. It’s important to understand the root cause of the condition. Different cosmetic products, skincare routines, professional treatments, and medical procedures may be required for each person.

Consulting a Specialist

When you visit a dermatologist or cosmetologist, they will gather a detailed medical history, study your lifestyle and dietary habits, and assess your skincare routine. They may recommend various tests and consultations with additional specialists. This process helps in navigating the vast array of cosmetic products, prescribing the appropriate home care regimen, internal treatments, and determining the necessity of cosmetic procedures.

It’s important to note that there is a wide range of cosmetic, apparatus-based, injectable, and aesthetic treatments available. However, the key is to choose what is truly necessary, and this is not always the primary solution. Sometimes, it’s more valuable to focus on self-care, adopt a healthy diet, and establish a proper skincare routine. Internal medications may be prescribed, and only then, if needed, can apparatus-based treatments be considered. These should only be prescribed by a doctor after a thorough medical history review and laboratory analysis.

Listen to Your Teen

I would like to emphasize an important point for parents: listen to your teen! Notice the changes in their behavior and new concerns they may have. Take your teen by the hand and visit a doctor who can help address their problems, boost their self-esteem, and guide them in forming a healthy lifestyle. At our medical center, we only see teenage patients when accompanied by their parents. No notes, receipts, or authorizations will suffice. You and your teen should together decide where to seek help and how to proceed.

It’s not advisable to self-diagnose. A specialist can identify the cause of the condition, recommend suitable facial care products, and teach you how to use them correctly. Many unpleasant complications can be avoided by following simple rules:

Store cosmetics in the appropriate place;
Maintain the cleanliness of brushes and sponges;
Follow a diet tailored to your specific health condition, daily routine, living environment, gender, age, and physical activity level;
Avoid touching your face with your hands;
Ensure adequate sleep.

For more information on teenage skincare, you can visit American Academy of Dermatology.