The majority of people develop acne at some stage in adolescents, often beginning with the development of blackheads on their nose. Children as young as eight regularly visit dermatology clinics looking for acne solutions. The first important point to remember is that the black “dot” at the center of that blackhead isn’t dirt, but a combination of melanin and cells that turn black when surfaced. Unfortunately, acne carries a stigma that often lead to teenagers feeling dirty or embarrassed about the development of acne.
It’s estimated that over ninety percent of teenagers aged between 12 and 17 will be affected by acne and similar skin conditions at one stage or another in life. It may be an occasional pimple, or it could be a full-scale breakout. It may not be limited to the face; acne may also develop on the neck, chest and back.
Adolescence can be a testing time – perhaps the understatement of the year. Bodies develop, hormones are high, and teenagers find themselves facing new social experiences. Acne issues simply add to the mix and can lead to extreme frustration, embarrassment and discontent.
Teenagers are the main age group feeling the affects of acne, due to natural body developments and hormonal changes. Both growth and sex hormones – which, as their names imply, are responsible for physical, mental and sexual development – swing into action during the onset of puberty. For adolescent males, the hormone responsible is testosterone, which is produced in the testes. In female teens, the primary hormones are estrogen and progesterone, which are produced in the ovaries. Androgens, the sex hormones also cause sebaceous glands that secrete more oil, affecting the condition of the skin.
Unfortunately, less than ten percent of all teens affected by acne actual visit dermatology experts for diagnosis and treatment. Many will take the advice of various home cure resources, some offering valuable insights, some less valuable such as the use of toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and even Preparation H to reduce pimples. These solutions aren’t developed as a cure for acne, and can have adverse affects on the skin. While you may think hydrogen peroxide and alcohol, as disinfecting agents, would reduce bacteria and cleanse the skin, the tend to dry the skin to an unhealthy extent and can actually make acne worse. There are many products on the market – both prescription and over-the-counter – that are specifically designed for acne treatment that come highly recommended.
As all teenagers affected by acne know, it can be difficult, but very important to talk to your parents about the psychological effects acne has. A common myth is that teenage acne means ‘bad skin,’ it is actually a simple development stage. In many clinical studies, acne sufferers share feelings of depression and some have even felt suicidal as a result of acne. This is an extremely alarming issue, considering acne can be treated simply by educating yourself about acne and effective treatments. Parents need to be aware if a teenager is becoming anxious, depressed, ashamed, humiliated and embarrassed. Such anxiety affects behavior and attitude that reflect in poor school performance, discipline issues and often effecting social skills. Teens may develop body image problems, and you may start to withdraw from friends, family and generally become more introverted. This can be seen in changes as small as a teen that suddenly stops going to parties, school events and social events.
Acne can often affect family life and create problems within the family unit, as frustrations grow children tend to act out against parents and siblings. It can be extremely difficult when other family members make jokes about the situation and humiliate with subtle remarks.
Needless to say, acne can turn relationships into a nightmare. There’s nothing worse than preparing for a big date and noticing a pimple in the middle of your face. You begin to believe that your date will see nothing other than your acne- you, the Human Zit – and you may even be tempted to cancel.
As you get older, you may become self conscious visiting, or taking part in interviews and meetings. To worsen the situation, some studies have demonstrated that employers may actually discriminate against job applicants affected by acne. It’s undeniably unethical and often illegal, but it just demonstrates how much importance today’s society places on acne-free skin, encouraging the stigma that surrounds acne.
And being stressed out about acne will only cause it to get worse. There is a direct correlation between stress levels and acne flare-ups. In a March 2001 study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, 10% of teens stated that acne is one of the worst things in their lives. Virtually every teen is obsessed with his or her complexion and disturbed by acne breakouts. Sufferers are convinced that everyone around them is staring at their faces – and we all know that kids can be cruel, inflicting damage with names like “Pizza Face.”
Parents can also be a unintentional negative influence, telling adolescents that they mustn’t be practicing proper hygiene, further fueling the frustration. This creates tension and alienation. The best solution for teenage acne can be an informed parent. A responsible parent that takes his or her teenager to a dermatologist and arrange adequate acne treatment. Parents must remember that acne is a normal part of adolescence – not an abnormality. Perhaps they are reacting to their own teenage experiences and painful memories. Some parents may even be embarrassed by their teenagers’ complexions. A skilled, experienced dermatologist can help both teenager and parent deal with the real issues associated with acne.
By: Anne P
About the Author:
Anne P leads research into the effects of acne on teenagers and adults alike, as well as the developments and latest acne treatments available. She offers free advice and articles on her
Acne Treatment Website, updated regularly.
