Problematic skin in a teenager: recommendations for parents

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.

Severity of acne and duration of treatment in adolescents

Acne on a teenager's face can look different - small red rashes, pustules, blockages, blackheads, painful nodes. Acne on the back of a teenager is one of the signs of the severity of acne. And the remedy for acne (for teenagers) is selected depending on this degree of severity of the process. The duration of treatment depends on how severe the acne is and whether the doctor’s prescriptions are strictly followed.

Treatment may take 3 months, or maybe a year. Typically, teenagers are not burdened with multi-level home care and procedures, but it is still necessary to do the minimum for results. In any case, already in the first or second month the skin becomes clearer, this is very encouraging for both parents and children.

And at the same time relaxing. It is important not to interrupt this path halfway, as everything will quickly return to its roots, and perhaps twice as much effort will be required the second time.

Can a teenager outgrow acne?

Modern ideas about acne have changed radically. Thus, the previously prevailing approach that “acne can be left untreated”, “the child must outgrow it”, is categorically unacceptable. Acne is a chronic disease that is accompanied by periodic exacerbations and increasing severity of clinical manifestations, which leads to the formation of scars, age spots and other manifestations of post-acne. Considering the special psycho-emotional background of adolescents, the presence of acne and scars on the face causes them psychological discomfort and reduces their social activity.

Onset of acne in adolescents and provocative diets

Acne in teenage girls often begins during the onset of the menstrual cycle, at 12-14 years of age. But it happens that black spots, greasiness, dense large blockages in the T-zone can be observed long before this, from 7-8 years. In general, this age in dermatology is considered the beginning of teenage acne. This earlier onset is now associated with “Western” nutrition.

Video - Moms about teenage acne

To mothers about teenage acne. Acne in teenagers. Pediatric dermatologist

Children's diets increasingly include foods with a high glycemic index (fast food, snacks, rolls, sweets, carbonated drinks, cocktails, etc.) and a colossal amount of dairy products (including sweets). All this is a provocation of increased work of the sebaceous glands, the early appearance of acne and significantly aggravates the course of acne.

Acne in a teenage boy may also first appear before the age of 10, but more often at 12-13 years of age. Pimples and blackheads of a teenager are something that can and should be dealt with. Practice shows that you can enjoy clean and well-groomed skin even at 15 years old.

My child has skin inflammations. What to do?

If inflammatory elements have already arisen, and if there are few of them, then in addition to the remedies listed above, it is possible to use Seracin active cream with anti-inflammatory ingredients. The optimally selected composition of the product allows you to eliminate visible elements of acne in a few days. Girls can also use Seracin CC cream. It helps relieve inflammation and disguise imperfections. It is important to note the ability of this product to control the secretion of sebum at the cellular level, while the natural moisturizing components in the Seracin CC cream restore the skin’s hydrobalance, disturbed due to dermatological treatment.

If the disease has taken an uncontrolled course, immediately contact a dermatologist who will assess the clinical stage of the disease, prescribe additional examination and timely treatment using external and, possibly, systemic medications.

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.

Criteria for choosing remedies for acne and acne

When choosing facial skin care cosmetics, you need to take into account various factors.

Causes of pimples and blackheads

• if they appear due to enlarged pores, ointments and gels are selected to narrow them;
• if they are caused by certain bacteria, antibacterial creams or ointments will help.

Skin type

• for oily skin, drying agents are chosen;
• for dry – moisturizing;
• for sensitive ones - having a mild effect.

Hypoallergenic composition

• the presence or absence of allergic reactions in users;
• whether or not there are synthetic additives, dyes, artificial flavors.

This factor should be taken into account, since if a person has allergies, such compositions will provoke new rashes on the skin.

Only a well-chosen remedy can solve the problem. It will provide the skin with high-quality cleansing, relieve inflammation, and have an antibacterial and drying effect. Properly selected creams and gels will reduce sebum production, narrow pores and dry out the skin. As a result, it will become soft, tender and smooth.

How to choose the right product for you

To choose a good external remedy for cleansing skin from rashes, you need to consider a number of parameters. The main ones:

Why do acne appear? If their formation is caused by excessive expansion of pores, you need products that narrow them. When the reason is the presence of certain bacteria on the skin, antibacterial creams and ointments will help

Skin type – it is important that the cosmetic product matches your skin type. Drying products are suitable for oily skin, but for dry skin they will be too aggressive

The use of skin care cosmetics that are not suitable for a specific skin type can aggravate aesthetic problems. You should especially carefully select products for sensitive skin types. They must certainly have a soft effect. If you have allergies, it is better to give preference to hypoallergenic products. Good creams do not contain petroleum products, as well as synthetic additives and artificial flavors. Their presence can further irritate the skin, causing new rashes to appear.

It is important to choose a product that is right for you

It is very important that anti-acne products do not clog pores, otherwise the skin will receive insufficient oxygen, and this worsens its condition, appearance, and contributes to the spread of rashes. An effective remedy that helps against acne because it acts comprehensively

It provides good cleansing, relieves inflammation, has an antibacterial and drying effect. The drugs also reduce sebum production and tighten pores, resulting in the removal of acne. The skin becomes healthy and well-groomed. The main thing is to choose a product that suits your skin type and switch to a balanced diet.

This effective remedy helps against acne because it acts comprehensively. It provides good cleansing, relieves inflammation, has an antibacterial and drying effect. The drugs also reduce sebum production and tighten pores, resulting in the removal of acne. The skin becomes healthy and well-groomed. The main thing is to choose a product that suits your skin type and switch to a balanced diet.

Using topical acne treatments provides only 50-60% of the results. Otherwise, the effectiveness of treatment is determined by the state of health and lifestyle.

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.

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.

The best remedy for acne in adults. TOP 5

Baneocin

In first place among the best anti-acne products for adults is antibacterial powder, which is known to consumers as a high-quality and effective product. It copes well with both ordinary rashes and advanced acne and even ulcers.

This product belongs to the combination category, since it contains two antibiotic components. The most important thing in using the drug is to apply it to previously cleansed skin, which will allow you to get maximum results.

Bepanten

This amazing product helps not only with acne, but also in many other situations. It effectively copes with the initial and advanced stages of rashes. The composition contains active components that can provide the skin with complete nutrition. In addition, the product does an excellent job of relieving inflammation, as well as smoothing out the scars left behind by dermatitis.

Reviews about the product are most often positive, since it has a number of significant advantages: the ability to use it for any type of dermatosis, a fairly powerful disinfecting property, and safety for pregnant women. In addition, the opportunity to purchase the product without a prescription from a doctor is also pleasing.

Ichthyol

A fairly popular ointment is considered one of the most effective remedies during the fight against various rashes. Here, the active substance is the well-known ichthammol, which is able to penetrate into the deep layers of the integument and from there exert the main effects: healing, analgesic and antiseptic.

Also among the positive qualities of the drug, one should note its naturalness and absolute safety for human health - which is why it is allowed to be used even by expectant mothers during pregnancy.

Erythromycin

An interesting ointment intended for external use. It copes with the task quite effectively and also belongs to the category of safe. Comments about this product are often positive because it applies easily to the surface and is quickly absorbed.

Moreover, if the composition gets on healthy areas of the skin, absolutely nothing terrible will happen. The only thing that consumers are not entirely satisfied with is the maximum course of therapy. It lasts only three weeks, and for some people this is not enough to completely get rid of the rash.

Metronidazole

The fifth position in the ranking is occupied by a product that is prescribed by doctors in the event of particularly severe situations of acne.

Among the main advantages, the following points should be noted: the inability of the drug to cause addiction to the body, rapid penetration of the active ingredients into the deep layers of the epidermis, therapeutic effects specifically in areas of inflammation, accelerated healing of ulcers.

As for the negative qualities, the only thing that stands out among them is the possibility of completely eliminating dermatitis with the help of this remedy only in combination with another antibiotic.

What to avoid

When considering the question of how to treat acne in a teenager, you should dwell on the causes of exacerbation. New rashes can be caused by the following factors:

• abuse of fatty and sweet foods;
• water shortage;
• lack of hygiene;
• infection of acne with dirty hands;
• self-squeezing pimples and injuring nearby skin areas.

Often, inflammatory processes are provoked by bacteria that enter clogged ducts. To avoid this, experts recommend:

• make sure that the hair does not cover the skin of the face;
• do not touch the inflammation with your hands;
• do not scratch the rash;
• Do not squeeze pimples yourself.

Neglecting the rules will make the problem worse.

How to use hormonal ointment for acne on the face

Corticosteroids are widely used in modern cosmetology. They help against acne, blackheads, comedones, acne, fungal infections and many other problems.

It is important to understand that these are serious pharmaceuticals that can only be prescribed by a specialist.

The use of hormonal ointments for acne is advisable when such problems are caused by complex strains of microorganisms. Basically, such drugs are used to treat eczema, vitiligo, lichen, etc.

Hormonal agents:

• Elokom. The composition includes mometasone furoate;
• Advantan. Active substance – methylprednisolone aceponate;
• Triacutan. Concentrated cream containing betamethasone;
• Acyclovir. Contains 1 mg acyclovir.
• Clotrimazole. The cream is enriched with 1 mg of Clotrimazolum.

They are considered potent drugs, both in terms of treatment results and adverse reactions. They are only an auxiliary method of treatment for acne; if applied uncontrolled, they worsen the course of the disease.

Hyoxysone

The ointment contains the antibiotic oxyteteracycline and hydrocortisone. Indicated from 8 years of age for the treatment of pustular rashes in the scalp, boils, and seborrheic dermatitis. A single dose is the size of a pea.

• pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• tuberculosis (skin form);
• tumors or pre-tumor diseases;
• fungal and viral infections.

The price of a tube with 10 g of the drug is 65 rubles.

Triderm

The cream is a complex dermatotropic acne remedy. Contains the antibiotic gentamicin, the antifungal drug clotrimazole and the hormone betamethasone. It is often prescribed when it is difficult to make a diagnosis, relying on the combined action of the components:

• kills fungi, bacteria;
• dries;
• eliminates inflammation, swelling;
• reduces itching and allergic reactions.

Contraindicated under 2 years of age and for:

• tuberculosis, syphilis;
• chicken pox, herpes;
• administration of vaccines (cannot be applied to the injection site).

For children from 2 to 6 years of age and during pregnancy in the 1st trimester, it is prescribed in exceptional cases for a short course and under medical supervision. The price for 15 g of the drug is 665 rubles.

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.

Pharmacy products against acne

For severe rashes, you should turn to drug therapy, or rather to drugs whose effect has been proven in practice. It is better if the remedy is prescribed by a dermatologist. The specialist will make a prescription based not only on the causes of acne, but also focusing on the individual characteristics of the patient. You can find out what acne treatments are available for teenagers at the pharmacy here.

Ointments

It is more advisable to use ointments in the evening because of their dense structure. They are effective and the results of their use become noticeable quite quickly.

Tetracycline

A budget-friendly and effective drug that allows you to solve the problem of acne in just 1 course. It contains:

• lanolin (anti-inflammatory effect);
• sodium disulfide (removes excess fat);
• Vaseline (moisturizing effect);
• pyrosulfite (protective functions against UV rays, strong winds and low temperatures).

Levomekol

An ointment with a pronounced antibacterial effect, penetrating into the deeper layers. It “pulls” pus to the surface and helps accelerate maturation. Also levomekol:

• reduces inflammation;
• accelerates skin tissue regeneration;
• evens out complexion.

Zinc

Zinc ointment, known since Soviet pharmacology, is inexpensive and effective. It allows:

• restore damage to the dermis;
• reduce sebum production;
• have a drying effect.

Ichthyol

This type of ointment has the following types of actions:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• painkiller.

Ichthyol ointment destroys the sebaceous plug and draws pus out. After its exposure, spots or scars rarely form.

Creams

Creams have a lighter consistency, are quickly absorbed and are no less effective. Find out what is the most effective acne cream here.

Skinoren, Azelik, Aknestop

Sinocren and all these drugs are united by a common active ingredient - azelaic acid, which has the following effects:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antibacterial;
• keratolytic;
• whitening

Differin

The drug is available in the form of cream and gel. The main active component is adapalene (a synthetic replacement for vitamin A). Thanks to it, the oiliness of the skin is reduced, sebaceous plugs are eliminated and inflammation is relieved. To use it you need:

• cleanse the skin;
• apply cream;
• remove excess with a napkin.

Effezel

A product where the active ingredient, in addition to adapalene, is benzoyl peroxide. Thanks to this, the drug provides:

• anti-inflammatory effect;
• pulling effect (pus tends to the surface);
• sebostatic effect (the activity of the sebaceous glands decreases).

Baziron

The cream has a pronounced drying effect and can be used no more than once a day. Its main advantages include:

• softening and moisturizing the dermis;
• relieving inflammation;
• exfoliation of dead cells;
• cleansing pores;
• enrichment of the epidermis with oxygen.

One of the disadvantages of Baziron is the long course of use (at least 3 months).

Curiosin, Regetsin

Both Regetsin and Curiosin contain zinc and the well-known hyaluronic acid today. Suitable not only for combating teenage acne, but also age-related acne. Characterized by:

• anti-inflammatory effect;
• regenerative effect;
• improving the functions of epidermal cells.

Rozamet

This type of cream effectively fights acne and blackheads. It is not expensive and easy to use. Rosamet is capable of:

• treat the skin;
• act as an antiseptic;
• prevent the appearance of red spots and scars.

Contractubex

Contractubex cream is effective and economical in terms of consumption. Its peculiarity is that it can be used even after acne therapy. The cream helps renew the upper layer of the dermis and even out its tone. Find out what is the most effective cream for acne spots in this material.

Its advantages:

• acceleration of regeneration;
• relieving inflammation.

Cream-active Clean Line

Advantages:

• price;
• Can be used as a base for makeup;
• drying and anti-inflammatory effect.

Propeller

The Propeller series of teenage cosmetics is popular due to its reasonable price and effective action. The active substance – cincidone – allows:

• reduce sebum production;
• even out the tone;
• reduce rashes.

Can be used up to 3 times a day, washed off with warm water. You can purchase the entire series of the Propeller line from tonic to spot cream.

Sulfuric ointment

One of the anti-inflammatory group of drugs is Sulfur ointment. When applied to the skin, it irritates the receptors located in the upper layers of the epidermis. The oily cream, entering the systemic bloodstream, increases the force of blood flow through the capillaries and improves cellular metabolism.

The use of Sulfur Ointment is permitted for almost everyone; there are no restrictions on its use. Additionally, the effect of the medicinal cream has an antiseptic effect on the affected areas of the skin.

The active substance makes the process of regeneration of the upper layers of the dermis faster. When applied to the skin, it effectively fights skin parasites, as well as neutralizes fungal diseases.

The medicine is recommended to be applied to any area of ​​the skin, with the exception of the scalp. This is due to the fact that this area has an increased fat base, which is why the ointment gets clogged into the pores and is difficult to remove from them.