5 Ways to Help Manage Teenage Acne
If your tween or teen is suffering from acne, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. What’s causing it, do they need to change their diet, how can I help them treat it … why them? Here’s what you need to know to help your child achieve clearer skin.
As parents, our kids often expect us to have all the answers. But sometimes, we’re just not sure.
If your child is suffering from acne, of course you’ll want to do everything you can to help them. After all it can be uncomfortable, knock their self-esteem and in some cases cause scarring.
But knowing why it’s happening and what to do can be tough. Particularly with so many acne myths out there.
Which is why, with Acnecide, the UK’s number one selling acne treatment brand (1), we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents have about teen spots. And we’ve also compiled some quick, handy tips to help your child manage breakouts.
Why is my teen getting blemishes?
Acne can occur at any age but it’s particularly common in tweens, teenagers and young people. According to the NHS, around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent (2).
It’s often caused by the hormone changes that take place during puberty, which can lead to increased oil production. When this oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can block pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads. Bacteria that live naturally on the skin can then act on these blocked pores, causing inflammation, pus and spots.
Acne can run in families, too. So, if you or your partner had acne, then your child may be more likely to have it.
What can you do to tackle acne?
Teenagers can incorporate an over-the-counter medicinal spot treatment into their daily skincare routine. Acnecide has a range of skincare products and effective treatments that cover a wide spectrum of acne, spot and blemish prone skin types.
Acnecide Face Gel and Acnecide Face Wash Gel acne treatments are available without a prescription and contain 5% Benzoyl Peroxide – an active medicinal ingredient.
The products also have exfoliant and pore-unblocking properties and contain something called 'AC microsphere technology’. This helps absorb excess oil and releases glycerine to help tackle the cause of spots and soothe and hydrate the skin.
It’s important to note though, not all acne treatments work for everyone. If your child has severe acne or scarring, speak to your GP or a dermatologist for advice.
What about cleansers and moisturisers?
It’s a good idea to combine acne treatment products with a cleanser and moisturiser designed for spot-prone skin. Cleansing twice a day and moisturising will help protect the skin’s natural barrier and soothe any irritation.
Purifide is a range of clear skin daily skincare from the makers of Acnecide. It’s specifically designed for spot-prone skin and suitable for using alongside Acnecide acne treatments.
Try Purifide Daily Cleanser to cleanse skin before applying an Acnecide acne treatment.
Following cleansing and treatment, apply a light, non-greasy moisturiser such as Purifide Daily Moisturiser SPF 30.
How can I get rid of my child’s acne quickly?
Sadly, there’s no immediate fix for acne. Consistency is key when it comes to treatment, and it can take a few weeks to see results.
If your child does feel a spot forming though, try Purifide Power Patches. Designed to be placed over emerging blemishes, these invisible patches contain 3-in-1 technology to shrink, soothe and protect emerging spots.
How can I stop acne scarring?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent acne scarring. Scarring is down to the way that skin heals, and some people will heal better than others. Instead, you should help treat the acne that’s causing it by using effective treatments.
You should also try to instil good habits like not picking spots, which can make them more inflamed and more likely to scar.
Should my teenager change what they eat to help their spots?
In most cases, there’s no need for your teen to change what they eat.
A small group of people may find that cutting out dairy can help improve their skin, but for most people changing what they eat won’t really make a difference.
Will my teenager’s acne go away on its own?
It could, but probably not for a while.
According to the NHS, most people have acne on and off for a few years. And, while most people’s acne goes away in their mid-twenties, some people will continue to have it as an adult (3).
While there’s no ‘cure’ for acne, treating it with specially formulated products such as Acnecide can help your teen achieve clearer skin.
5 quick tips for managing teen acne
● Use the right products – as well as choosing an effective acne treatment, make sure all skincare is non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
● Shower after sport – sweat compressed against the skin can cause spots on the back, chest and bum, so shower as soon as possible after exercising
● Protect skin from the sun – when using acne treatments, skin may be more sensitive to UV rays. The sun can also cause marks and uneven skin tone if you’re suffering a breakout
● Don’t wash skin too often – washing spot-prone areas too often can irritate skin and make symptoms worse. Wash twice a day at the most and use a gentle cleanser such as Purifide Daily Cleanser
● Wash hair regularly – and try not to let it touch the face too often. Oil from hair can get onto your skin and lead to blocked pores
Acnecide Face Gel and Acnecide Face Wash Gel are indicated for the treatment of mild acne. Contains 5% benzoyl peroxide. Always read the label. GB-ACC-2400057 August 2024.
(1) For verification, email Acnecide.UK@Galderma.com
