What is Teen Acne?
1. Does acne result from eating “junk food”?
There is no truth to the fact that junk food causes acne. However, if a certain food seems to precipitate a flare of acne, that food should be avoided. Also, foods with a high iodine or bromide concentration may cause flare-ups.
2. Will washing my face more often help my acne?
Although good hygiene is important, it has no significant bearing on the development of acne. Frequent washing, especially with harsh soaps or scrubs can make acne worse and even promote scarring.
3. Will using a buff puff or washcloth help my acne?
Any abrasive material used on the face has the potential of scarring the face and should only be used with appropriate training and recommendation of a dermatologist.
4. If my parents had acne, does that mean I will develop acne?
There are contributing factors to developing acne including (1) genetic predisposition, (2) hormonal aspects, (3) environmental exposures, (4) emotional distress (5) cosmetics.
5. Does stress cause acne?
Although stress does not cause acne, it can frequently make it worse.
6. Should I get “facials” for my acne?
Scientific studies to date have not found “facials” beneficial and may in the wrong hands, make it worse. For many people “facials” make them feel good and make their skin temporarily shiny and/or taut. However, broken blood vessels may be a potential side effect.
7. Is it all right to pick my pimples?
No. Picking your pimples often results in scarring which may be permanent. When you see your dermatologist, he/she will perform sterile acne surgery. This ominous sounding procedure is simply the opening and removing of acne lesions (i.e., papules, pustules, open and closed, comedones, and cysts), with specific instruments. This procedure in combination with prescription medications (both topical and/or oral) has been shown to be most effective in lessening marks and/or scarring.
8. Are Alphahydroxy acids good for acne?
Alphahydroxy acids are fruit acids which have minimal side effects (occasionally, mild temporary irritation). In recent studies, it has been shown that the use of alphahydroxy acids often lessens the need for oral antibiotics. Our patient’s have found it also smoothes the skin and improves the complexion.
9. As a female is the reason I have acne because I have too much male hormone?
The hormone you are talking about is an androgen. Some of the signs for androgen excess are: hirsutism (excessive hair), irregular menses, late onset acne, severe and/or therapy resistant acne. At Advanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery we recommend a work-up for androgen excess in the appropriate age group. There are special treatments for this problem.
10. My acne is terrible and has not gotten better despite using every medication imaginable-is there hope?
Accutane is often the answer for this problem (cystic acne). Accutane is used when other conventional treatments have failed. This 20 week therapy consists of careful monitoring of patients. The results often appear miraculous
Treatment Options for Teens
Dermatologists most often recommend topical medications for teens with acne. The most common nonprescription options are benzoyl peroxide, mild acids like salicylic acid, and sulfur-based products. Prescription-strength topical medications include topical antibiotics, sulfur-based products and retinoids (derivatives of Vitamin A) such as tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac). All of these medicines are available as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, liquids, and pads. They require compliance, meaning the teen needs to be consistent in using them. Dermatologists should always ask teenagers, if I prescribe a topical medicine, would you use it? Half the time, the answer is no. Sometimes, especially among the young male population, there is a stigma associated with cream use. Liquid soaps are sometimes a better topical choice, because the soaps can be used in the shower, where there is already an activity (the shower) in progress.
Additionally, many a teen has heard their dermatologist tell them that sometimes things get worse before they get better when it comes to complexion problems. That may be because the medications speed up the life cycle of all the pimples, including the little baby pimples that would have taken a lot longer to come to a head without medicine. Also, topical acne medicines can easily be over-used, especially by teenagers who follow the “more-is-better” mantra, because they are often desperate to get an instant clear complexion. Most acne medications need to be used in small amounts so this approach can cause side effects like dryness, irritation, burning, or redness. This will force patients to stop using the medications before they’ve had a chance to work. Some medications may interact with the sun. The dermatologist needs to talk with the patient about ways to minimize and manage the side effects.
Stronger options include prescription oral medications: antibiotics, isotretinoin (Sotret, Claravis, Amnesteem, formerly sold as Accutane), and hormonal therapy (birth control pills and spironolactone). These pills could interact with medication or birth control pills, so care must be taken. As with any pill, these drugs need to be taken as prescribed, meaning a teen who’s less-than-perfect at sticking to a schedule may not do very well on them. However, many teenagers prefer pills to creams, since there is a perception that they are easier to use. Frequently, the teen who won’t use topical medications will be extremely compliant with oral medicines.
In addition, dermatologists can use in-office procedures such as laser procedures (for example, Acleara) or light therapy, acne surgery, and corticosteroid injections for large or painful pimples and to permanently fix acne scarring. These procedures don’t require compliance (with the exception of making it to the appointments), and as a result are usually a good option for teen patients.
In many cases, adolescent acne goes hand-in-hand with psychological issues. Research shows that psychological stress can definitely exacerbate acne, and numerous other studies have shown that having acne can create or worsen depression and social anxiety. Whichever way you look at it, being depressed or anxious can significantly affect your compliance with a treatment plan. It might be better to bite the bullet and pull out the ‘big guns’ to treat acne in these patients. The stronger medicines can lead to more dramatic results, which create big improvements in the patient’s emotional well-being and complexion.
Advanced Dermatology PC (New York & New Jersey), Dermatologists experts in Laser Procedures, Botox, Fillers, Acne Scars, Tattoo Removal, Wrinkles, Leg Veins and treating wide-array of Medical and Cosmetic Conditions.