Dermatologist SM-Doctor told how a teenager can get rid of acne

Cosmetologist YULIANA SHIYAN: Acne in a teenager is considered common, although any diagnosis, including “simple acne,” should not be considered the norm. Moreover, the calm attitude of adults towards a rash on a teenager’s face does not make life easier for the child; this does not make his self-esteem higher, nor does his anxiety decrease. And if you notice that the child once again does not go out with friends and stays at home at every opportunity, then pay attention to this; this is hardly a normal desire to do homework.

For acne in teenagers, a variety of remedies are used:

• Azelaic acid
• Antibiotics, external and systemic, for example erythromycin, clindamycin
• Zinc preparations (internally and externally)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Retinoids (internally and externally)

There is now a lot of information in the public domain about how to get rid of acne for a teenager. Buying ointment at a pharmacy is not a problem at all; advertisements for all kinds of zinerites and basirons are a dime a dozen. The main thing for parents in this flow of information and availability of medications is not to slip into self-medication.

Each of the drugs listed is good, and it seems that now we’ll buy it, apply it and we’ll have clear skin. But in fact, each drug has many nuances in use, for pustules one, for blockages another, for irritated skin a third. Most of them require supplementation for strengthening or reinsurance so that resistance (stability) of the flora does not form.

They have a side effect that is either considered normal or requires immediate cancellation. When and how to add oral medications to external treatment, and whether acne is purely teenage acne or requires additional specialists are separate questions. It is impossible to determine all this on your own and there is simply no knowledge. Therefore, you need to contact me and sign up for a consultation.

Causes of acne in children and adolescents

Pimples occur when pores become clogged. What type of acne occurs depends on what is clogging the pores. Although scientists are still trying to figure out why some people's skin is more prone to developing acne, it's likely that hormones play a role. This explains why acne is so common among teenagers.

During puberty, hormones called androgens increase the size of the skin's oil glands. These glands begin to produce more sebum, which can clog your pores.

But acne can start before (or after) adolescence. About 20% of newborns suffer from neonatal acne, which usually appears between the second and fourth weeks of life. This type of acne goes away on its own without leaving any scars. It also does not increase the risk of developing severe acne later in life.

Some children develop infantile acne, which appears between 3 and 6 months of age. Baby acne can cause deep nodules and cysts, leading to permanent acne scarring. Fortunately, childhood acne is rare. Source: Modern concept of the etiopathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Isaeva M.S., Burieva Z.T. Avicenna Bulletin, 2010. p. 127-132 Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment of acne vulgaris. Khaldin A.A., Mareeva E.B., Skvortsova A.I. Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases, 2012. p. 34-37.

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What causes acne and what causes it

While stress may not cause acne, it can make existing acne worse. Research shows that when stress increases, the severity of acne increases. Acne may get worse if teens:

• sleep too little;
• eat certain foods traditional to the Western diet;
• use oily cosmetics and skin care products.

Almost everyone experiences at least a few breakouts during their teenage years. It is impossible to predict who will develop more severe acne, but there is an increased risk if one or both parents (or other close blood relatives) have had severe acne that results in scarring.

Types of acne, formation mechanism and what they look like

Teenage acne on the face of adolescents can be of several types (or a combination of them). Source: Pathogenetic rationale for local acne therapy in adolescence. Mazitova L.P., Aslamazyan L.K., Kvachakhiya L.L., Namazova L.S. Pediatric pharmacology, 2008. pp. 94-97):

• whiteheads;
• black dots;
• acne;
• nodules, cysts, or both (deep and painful).

• Whiteheads . Removing whiteheads can lead to more whiteheads and acne scars, which is why dermatologists recommend treating whiteheads with an acne treatment rather than picking at them. Whiteheads form when excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pores. This causes white or flesh-colored pimples to appear. Medical name: closed comedon, which means “closed pore.”
• Black dots . Dermatologists recommend treating this type of acne with a retinoid, since squeezing the blackheads can cause infection or permanent scarring. This type of acne also develops when excess sebum and dead skin cells accumulate inside the pore. As the secretion accumulates, it expands the pores and you see blackheads. Many people mistakenly believe that a black spot is dirt. What you are actually seeing is a chemical reaction. When deposits inside the pore react with oxygen in the air, a black color appears. Medical name: open comedo, which means “open pore.”
• Sometimes excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria get trapped in the pores. Bacteria, which are usually found on our skin, can multiply quickly in excess oil. As the pores become filled with bacteria, inflammation (swelling) develops and a pimple appears. Medical name: If a pimple contains pus, it is called a pustule . A pimple without pus is called a papule .
• Nodule or cyst . When the pores become filled with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, causing inflammation (swelling) that penetrates deep into the skin, a lump or cyst forms. Because these rashes penetrate deep into the skin, they can be painful. The main difference between a nodule and a cyst is that the cyst contains pus. Because nodules do not contain pus, they feel firmer to the touch than cysts.

Skinoren

This cream contains azelaic acid, which helps regulate sebum secretion, fights pathogenic bacteria, and relieves inflammation. “Skinoren” has proven itself well even in advanced stages of acne, although long-term treatment with this remedy is undesirable. Skinoren dries out the skin, so it is better not to use it if you have peeling. Apply the cream morning and evening to the affected areas of the skin and rub in lightly.

Skinoren

Intendis Manufacturing, Italy

Skinoren is a drug for the treatment of acne vulgaris or juvenile acne and hyperpigmentation.
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Consequences of acne

Acne can cause more than just rashes. Some people believe that acne is a skin condition that eventually outgrows, but it can have a profound and lasting impact on one's life. Many people experience one or more of the following after acne appears.

Acne scars: When the breakout goes away, it leaves behind a permanent scar. Some scars cause indentations in the skin. The rest are gradually disappearing. It's impossible to predict who will develop scars after their acne goes away, but the following factors increase your risk:

• acne has been present for a long time because the teenager does not treat it or the treatment does not work;
• One or more close blood relatives have had acne in the family.

Dark spots on the skin: As acne breakouts fade, some people see the area where acne once was. This completely flat spot can be pink, red, purple, black or brown, and is often mistaken for a permanent acne scar. Source: Modern Treatments and Rehabilitation of Acne Vulgaris. Barinova A.N. Russian family doctor, 2022. p. 5-18.

Proper nutrition

Skin largely reflects our lifestyle. When you abuse fried and fatty foods, toxins enter the bloodstream and negatively affect the condition of tissues. Doctors recommend sticking to a healthy diet, consuming enough proteins, complex carbohydrates and fiber. The latter ensures normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the formation of constipation, which also has a positive effect on skin health.

If possible, you should avoid smoked meats, mayonnaise, chocolate, and processed foods. Both the abundance of flour products and excessive consumption of sugar have a negative impact on the appearance. Often, restrictions on sweets give quick and visible results.

Diagnostics

If your teen has acne, a dermatologist can diagnose acne by looking at the breakouts. During your appointment, your dermatologist will also note what types of acne they are and where the breakouts appear on the skin. This will help your dermatologist create an effective treatment plan. Sometimes what looks like pimples is another problem. For example, some people mistake hidradenitis suppurativa, also called acneinversa, for everyday acne. Treatment for this condition is different from that for acne. Another disease that can be mistaken for acne is perioral dermatitis. This often causes rashes that look like pimples around the mouth. Whether your teen has stubborn acne or another condition, a dermatologist can accurately diagnose acne vulgaris and create a treatment plan tailored to your teen's needs.

How to choose a gel for rashes

Despite the fact that all gels for problem types have the same principle of action, they still have different effects on oily facial skin. Some products dry out problem areas exclusively, while other products dry out the most vulnerable areas of the skin.

To achieve the best effect from use, it is recommended to take into account some nuances when choosing a suitable gel:

‌Pay attention to the components included. Products based on alcohol and other aggressive substances only harm the skin

Give preference to facial gels that contain plant extracts, Allantoin, chitosan, NUF and active acids. These components have both anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects.

The principle “the more expensive the more effective” does not always work. Sometimes a budget product works much better than an expensive gel from a well-advertised brand. Before purchasing, read the reviews, composition, and also consult with your doctor.

Choose a product that suits your skin type. Acne is not always the result of overproduction of sebaceous glands. There are cases when they appear on dry skin due to insufficient moisture.

Treatment of facial acne in teenagers

The appropriate acne treatment plan depends on many factors, including:

• type of acne;
• where acne appears on the skin;
• what treatments have already been tried;
• when the rash started;
• age;
• whether acne left dark spots or scars Source: Modern methods of treating acne in children. Nosacheva O.A., Torshkhoeva R.M., Namazova-Baranova L.S. Pediatric pharmacology, 2013. p. 23-30.

Your treatment plan may vary. But there are a number of drugs that are included in clinical guidelines for the treatment of acne. Effective treatment for facial acne in a teen may include retinoid medications, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid. An antibiotic may be prescribed and applied to the skin.

Nodules and cysts are more difficult to treat. Treatment may consist of prescription medications applied to the skin, antibiotics, and isotretinoin (a medication approved for the treatment of severe acne).

Sometimes additional laser or light therapy is needed: Research shows that laser and light devices can help clear up acne. This type of treatment works best in combination with other acne treatments.

Healthy Diet: Some studies show that eating a healthy diet can also help give you clearer skin.

Skin care is so important that without it you won't get the results you want. Even if you use an acne treatment correctly, if teens are too rough on their skin, new breakouts may appearSource: Combination Acne Therapy. Mamarasulov D.I., Yuldashev M.A., Moon A.V., Ismoilov B.B. Medicine: theory and practice, 2019. p. 342-343.

Where to start caring for a cosmetologist?

With skin cleansing (superficial and deep) depending on skin type, which is determined after examination through a magnifying glass.
Cleaning is carried out in several stages: cleansing with foam, disinfection with antiseptics, skin peeling, mechanical cleaning, applying a mask. The frequency of procedures is strictly individual and depends on the severity of the condition, skin type, season, effect of therapy and other factors. Typically, the course of treatment with timing and procedures is discussed at an appointment with a doctor. On average, facial cleansing is carried out once every 2-3-4 months. If this is a course of chemical peelings, then the procedure is usually carried out (also depending on the type of peeling) once every 2 weeks. A total of 3-5 procedures are required.

Perhaps a visit to a cosmetologist will not be enough; to combat acne you will have to involve other specialists: a dermatologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. Acne treatment should ideally begin with a diagnosis of the body. You will need to take a general blood test, a stool test for dysbacteriosis, microscopy of skin scrapings and a number of other studies.

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Prevention

Do not wash your face with soap or use rough scrubs too often. Acne is not caused by dirt. Two gentle washes a day are enough. Exfoliating your skin too often can cause irritation and dryness of the skin, which causes the glands to produce more oil, which increases the likelihood of acne.

Use non-comedogenic products (those that do not clog pores) on your face.

Do not press on the spots, as this can drive bacteria deeper into the skin. This can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.

Sources:

1. Modern concept of etiopathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Isaeva M.S., Burieva Z.T. Avicenna Bulletin, 2010. p. 127-132
2. Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment of acne vulgaris. Khaldin A.A., Mareeva E.B., Skvortsova A.I. Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases, 2012. p. 34-37
3. Modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with acne vulgaris. Barinova A.N. Russian family doctor, 2022. p. 5-18
4. Pathogenetic rationale for local therapy for acne in adolescence. Mazitova L.P., Aslamazyan L.K., Kvachakhiya L.L., Namazova L.S. Pediatric pharmacology, 2008. p. 94-97
5. Modern methods of treating acne in children. Nosacheva O.A., Torshkhoeva R.M., Namazova-Baranova L.S. Pediatric pharmacology, 2013. p. 23-30
6. Combination therapy for acne. Mamarasulov D.I., Yuldashev M.A., Moon A.V., Ismoilov B.B. Medicine: theory and practice, 2022. p. 342-343

The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Don't self-medicate! At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

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