Acne No More: Empower Yourself with Knowledge
As teenagers navigate their complex journey of adolescence, they often face various physical changes, social dynamics and emotional changes. Among these changes, the most common concern in teenagers is acne, which affects both skin health and mental well-being.
What is Acne?
Acne also known as acne vulgaris is a long term and also common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Pore blockages produce blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples. Pimples are pus-filled, sometimes painful, bumps on your skin.
Triggers of acne:
- Hormonal changes: Acne is largely a hormonal condition that’s driven by androgen hormones (testosterone), and these hormones can cause you to make larger amounts of sebum. This causes a usually harmless bacteria on your skin to overgrow.
- Diet: Studies indicate that consuming certain foods, including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips, may worsen acne.
- Certain cosmetics: Comedogenic cosmetics and skin products that contain alcohol and oils. By using them, you develop a type of acne called acne cosmetica.
- Stress: Stress, anxiety, and fear might also worsen acne by triggering the production of cytokines, tiny proteins that stoke inflammation and can make it worse.
How common is acne?
If you have acne, know that you’re not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition that people experience. An estimated 80% of people ages 12 to 24 will have at least a mild form of acne.Teenagers and young adults most often get acne, but it can also occur during adulthood for many people (Acne.org).
Tips to avoid acne:
- Keep your face clean
- Moisturize
- Keep your hands off your face
- Eat healthy
- Reduce stress
- Avoid touching pimples
- Change your pillowcase
Typical acne medications:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Dapsone
How Acne Affects Teenagers’ Mental Health
Acne can make teenagers feel unattractive and less confident. They may worry a lot about their looks and being judged by others. Dealing with acne for a long time can cause sadness and hopelessness. Many teens with bad acne feel depressed.The worry about acne can create a lot of stress. This stress can make acne worse, creating a cycle of problems.
By understanding acne’s impact on self-esteem and emotions, we can support young people in seeking help. Open conversations are essential for building confidence and help them as they get through this challenging time.
