Juvenile acne is a common skin condition that affects thousands of teenagers every day around the world. Virtually everyone has suffered from this skin disorder to a greater or lesser extent during their adolescence.
This condition can have a significant impact on people’s lives, as it arises at a very important time in the physical and mental growth and development of young people. Juvenile acne affects not only physical appearance, but also self-esteem and confidence.
Below, we will review the causes of juvenile acne, how to prevent it and possible effective treatments.
Why does juvenile acne occur?
Juvenile acne is characterized by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, pustules and cysts on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. They are the result of the obstruction of hair follicles with sebum and dead skin cells, due to hormonal changes (increased production of cortisol and androgens) in adolescents, which stimulate sebum production.
Psychological effects of juvenile acne
According to various prevalence studies, it is estimated to affect about 85% of adolescents at some point in their lives. Although it is not dangerous to physical health, it can have a significant emotional impact and can lead to anxiety, depression and self-esteem problems.
Those suffering from severe acne may also have to deal with bullying and stigmatization by their peers, which further aggravates their emotional distress.
In these cases, it is very important to have the support of family and friends to better cope with emotional problems.
Prevention of juvenile acne
Due to its characteristics, prevention is fundamental in the fight against juvenile acne, although it is not 100% effective, since, as we have already mentioned, it is a natural process. Some measures to minimize or reduce the risk of developing acne are:
- Facial hygiene is the first step in prevention. Washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser removes excess oil and impurities. The soaps used must have an astringent, emollient and anti-seborrheic action.
- Keep in mind that by touching the face, we can transfer dirt and bacteria to the skin. It is an action that we all do without realizing it, but it should be avoided.
- Diet, as we have already mentioned on other occasions, can help to keep the skin healthy. It is therefore important to eat fruits, vegetables and foods rich in antioxidants.
- The skin needs a proper moisture balance to function properly. Moisturizing the skin prevents skin irritation and reinforces the skin barrier. In case of dehydration, the skin can produce more sebum and clog pores.
- Non-comedogenic sunscreens help prevent skin damage and sun-induced acne breakouts.
When acne is already a reality, it is time to establish a care routine appropriate to the severity of the situation. First of all, a dermatologist should be consulted to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment. This doctor may prescribe antibiotics or medications.
A visit to a specialist is key to demystify some myths about how to treat juvenile acne and to carry out a serious follow-up.
Topical products with ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help reduce acne. And it is very important not to manipulate the pimples because it can worsen the inflammation and leave scars for life. It is important to resist the temptation to touch or pop acne lesions.
For cases where acne is severe, especially in those situations where it causes scarring, the use of isotretinoin is recommended. It is a pill that helps to decrease the production of oil from the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Cosmetic treatments for juvenile acne
When the situation becomes more serious and does not respond favorably to facial care, more aggressive aesthetic treatments may be chosen. These focus on reducing acne lesions, improving skin texture and minimizing scarring:
- Chemical peels: are procedures in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove damaged surface layers. These treatments can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid are commonly used.
- Laser therapy: uses intense light energy to target acne lesions and stimulate skin regeneration.
- Hormone therapy: In some cases, hormone medications can help regulate the hormones responsible for acne.
- When acne leaves scars, you can opt for treatment with dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, which smooth out skin irregularities and provide a more uniform appearance.
- To activate the skin’s collagen production and regenerate the skin, you can opt for a transdermal electroporation treatment to reduce skin oiliness and eliminate the bacteria responsible for acne. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
