Teen acne can be difficult to treat because teenagers’ hormones are not in balance. They are in a period of flux with little stability. In addition, some teens lack dedication when it comes to their skincare and personal grooming. As a result, (and understandably so) some parents opt out for more cost effective skincare products for their teen’s skincare.
“Is CeraVe good for my teen’s acne?”
CeraVe has a great range within their cleansing line. Cleansing is one of the most important steps when treating acne at home. They have 3 cleansers to select from.
The mildest one is the Foaming Facial cleanser, which contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. This combination will ensure your teen’s skin is not dry and dehydrated after, and also helps to calm some of the inflammation associated with acne.
The second option is the Renewing SA cleanser. This cleanser contains salicylic acid which is great for stripping away excess oil, and also for seeping into the pores and clearing them out. This option is best for teens that have very congested skin, blackheads, or thicker texture in the T-zone. Keep in mind that it can be a little too drying for teens that have more of a combination to oily skin type.
Last we have the Acne Foaming Cream wash. This cleanser is actually going to treat teen acne. It should be reserved only for those with moderate to severe acne skin types. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. Therefore, not only will it help clean and clear away the oil, but it will have antiseptic effects on the skin. In other words, it will clear away the bacteria causing the breakouts. This is an excellent option for teens that have pustules and pimples. Not only do they get the clearing and healing benefits, they will also help prevent future breakouts due to the antibacterial effects.
Treating teen acne at the spa
We offer a specialized facial for teens- the Teen Facial. This facial incorporates the steps necessary to clean and extract the skin.
Teen acne can start as young as eight to 10 years old. At this young age, children can experience blackheads and congestion in the skin. However, this is uncommon. Typically we start seeing acne between the ages of 13-16 years in females, and 13-18 years in males.
How long does teen acne last?
Teenage acne can last for years well into the early to mid 20’s. It depends in what is causing the acne, typically it is internal factors that cause breakouts.
Acne treatment for teens: Getting rid of acne
Home care
First and foremost, proper home care is very important. Having a cleanser that contains a light dosage of salicylic acid is helpful. Salicylic acid keeps the skin clean and clear of inflammation at home. The cleanser will help strip away the thick oil barrier, clean out the pores, and rebalance the skin’s ph. We recommend using it twice a day along with a light-weight moisturizer.
Treatments
Our go-to teen acne treatment of choice is our Teen Facial. In general, teen facials focus on manual extractions. The skin is prepared with a deep-pore cleanse before extractions.
Peels for Teens?
Depending on the level of acne and the age of the teen, chemical peels may be too strong. However, at 10-20%, a peel boost is light enough to be done on teens over 16 years old.
Peel boosts are mild skin acids we use to treat skin conditions such as acne and hyperpigmentation. They are an add-on service for facials meant to amplify results. The downtime required is 24 – 48 hours, where the teen must refrain from heat, exercise, or strenuous activity.
Adding a peel boost to your teen’s Pore Facial is ideal when breakouts are consistent.
What can worsen teenage acne breakouts?
Picking at the skin can sometimes get rid of whatever buildup is in the pimple, but it is typically not done properly when done at home. As a result, it leaves your skin susceptible to infections. We have all the right tools and aftercare when we do extractions here.
Another factor that can worsen breakouts is improper cleansing. For example, not using the right products or not cleansing at all, or using products that are too strong for their skin.
Some teens wear makeup. Makeup can block the skin. Makeup may not be being washed away properly. Having a good pre-cleanser is very important for those that are wearing heavy-based makeups, such as primers, foundations, concealers, and powders.
By comparison, primers alone are a huge contributor! Someone that has an oily skin type is likely to be using a pore minimizing or mattifying primer. These products are relatively heavy as they are meant to give you a nice, smooth canvas. The downside is that they can really clog and congest the skin.
As far as diagnosing acne, this is something that would be done by a physician. Hormones are a big factor; they are fluctuating which can cause acne. Sometimes there can be dietary issue. If the acne is cystic or out of control, your teen may need to see a dermatologist first in order to go on a treatment cycle because sometimes antibiotics or acne medication such as accutane is needed to help from the inside.
