Acne during puberty: you can do that
Acne is a skin condition that often occurs during puberty. Early medical attention can prevent acne from getting worse or leaving acne scars. Here you can find out more about the causes, characteristics and treatment options for acne.
About 80 percent of all young people have to struggle with common acne (acne vulgaris) during their puberty , whereby the severity of this skin disease varies greatly. Severe forms of acne in particular are – visible to everyone and not easy to get a grip on – a great psychological burden. If your daughter or son suffers from acne, you should consult a specialist at an early stage. Various miracle cures that are sold over the counter are often of no help and can even make acne worse. Medical treatment does not promise overnight miracles, but it can achieve very good results in the long term.
What is acne?
Acne is usually triggered by hormonal changes that occur particularly during puberty. The sebaceous glands are stimulated to produce more sebum and the skin and hair become greasy more easily and quickly. If skin pores are clogged with excess sebum and horny cells, blackheads form. In medical terms, this is already referred to as a mild form of acne .
The typical pimples – reddish or purulent pustules and papules – occur when blackheads become inflamed by bacteria. Inflammation can spread to deeper and surrounding skin tissue and form painful nodules. This moderate to severe form of acne also carries a greater risk: scars can remain on the skin, for example, caused by incorrect expression.
As long as hormones and the body have not yet settled in, acne can occur again and again, especially in areas with many sebaceous glands. This includes the T-zone of the face, the back or the chest area. In many cases, acne disappears or improves by adulthood.
How is acne treated?
Mild to moderate acne is first treated with various active ingredients in creams and solutions:
- Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and loosens the stratum corneum that closes the pore exit.
- Antibiotics fight bacteria and support the healing process. Antibiotics should not be used for more than about six weeks, otherwise resistance can develop.
- Retinoids (vitamin A acid preparations) and azelaic acid help against excessive keratinization of the skin. Retinoids must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding as they can harm the child. Extensive sunbathing is also taboo during treatment with retinoids, as the active ingredient makes the skin more sensitive to solar radiation.
If the external treatment has no effect, acne can also be treated with a so-called systemic therapy. Some of the active ingredients mentioned above (mostly antibiotics and retinoids) are administered in the form of tablets.
Women can also find out about certain birth control pills that influence the hormone balance in such a way that the complexion also benefits. However, the effect does not occur in all women and may be accompanied by other side effects.
There are different methods to treat acne scars. Exfoliation or abrasion of the skin, collagen injections or laser therapy can reduce acne scars and in some cases even make them disappear completely. Many dermatologist practices, but also cosmetic studios offer such treatments. You should seek medical advice beforehand as to which method is suitable for you and what realistic results can be expected.
The treatment takes time and different preparations may have to be tried before a therapy really works. In the initial phase, the complexion can also deteriorate. However, those affected should not be put off by this and stop the treatment prematurely. The first successes are often not noticeable until six to eight weeks after the start of therapy.
What can you do yourself against acne?
- Cleansing: It is sufficient to cleanse the skin in the morning and evening with a mild, pH-neutral washing lotion. Excessive washing and harsh products destroy the skin’s natural protective acid mantle and make the skin susceptible to further inflammation.
- Moisturizing: After washing, it is important to moisturize the skin, but you should make sure that you use a water-based cream. Many products – including sunscreen and make-up, by the way – contain fats and oils that also clog the pores.
- Eat well: There is no scientific evidence that certain foods promote acne in particular. Some acne sufferers are sensitive to certain foods, such as dairy products or chocolate. Without a doubt, a healthy and balanced diet helps your body and your skin to feel good. Don’t forget to drink enough. 1.5 to 2 liters of water or a juice spritzer are ideal for covering your daily fluid needs.
- Avoid stress: Worries, grief or stress are also noticeable on the skin. Make sure you get enough sleep and find relaxation regularly.
- Don’t say it: It’s hard, but doing it yourself can make acne worse. Incorrect squeezing damages the skin tissue and encourages bacteria to spread further. Instead, have your skin professionally cleaned by a dermatologist or specialized cosmetic studio.