What causes acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs because of clogged pores that result from an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Acne is most common in teens because of the hormonal activity of puberty, which stimulates sebum production.
How is acne different in girls?
Since acne is most often a hormonal event in teenagers, it usually occurs with the onset of puberty. In girls, puberty typically starts at a younger age than in boys, which means girls get acne earlier in life.
In addition to the puberty-related changes experienced by all teens, girls must also contend with the hormonal swings of menstruation, so acne may flare at certain times during the menstrual cycle.
Girls also differ in their response to acne. Because they are more likely to use skin care products than boys, they are often more receptive to the topical treatments recommended for acne.
What kinds of acne treatments are available for girls?
The goal of acne treatment is to kill bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and lower sebum production. The dermatologist will choose a treatment based on the severity of the acne, which could be mild, moderate or severe.
Many mild cases may respond to the use of over-the-counter medications, but sometimes your physician will recommend something stronger to avoid prolonging the acne and the risk of scarring. In that case, you may be prescribed a topical or oral antibiotic, a prescription-strength topical retinoid, or both.
The worst cases of acne may call for isotretinoin (Accutane), an effective prescription medication that carries potentially serious side effects. The doctor will monitor you closely for such side effects if you take this medication. Pregnant women should never take isotretinoin.
Stick with it
No medication can do its job properly unless it is given time to work. It’s very important to be patient and take your medication as directed, for as long as directed. If you don’t see results right away, don’t be discouraged. Your medication is hard at work preventing new lesions from forming. Stopping treatment early will likely cause pimples and zits to reappear.
What should girls know about skincare products and acne?
In choosing cosmetics and skin cleansers, girls have many acne-fighting products to choose from. To kill P. acnes and other acne-causing bacteria, find a gentle cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. See the prevention section below for tips on using a cleanser properly.
When shopping for makeup, hair products, moisturizers, and other cosmetics, avoid heavy, greasy formulations that could clog pores and worsen your acne. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic, as these are less likely to block your pores. Today, you can even find acne-medicated makeup and spot treatments, which conceal and heal your lesions at the same time.
What can girls do to prevent acne?
- Cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild soap; avoid scrubbing hard with a washcloth—it won’t help the acne go away and it may worsen the condition by irritating the skin.
- Choose oil-free cosmetics, preferably those labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Remove makeup at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores.
- Teens tend to get acne in the T-zone of the face (chin, nose, and forehead), so use an oil-free moisturizer if possible, and use less moisturizer in those areas.
- Keep hair products away from the face, and if your hair is long enough to touch your face, keep it clean to keep oil away.
- Wash your face gently after working around oily substances (such as in a hot kitchen or gas station) and after exercising.
- Don’t touch your face, because the oil and bacteria from your hands can worsen your acne.
- Avoid the temptation to pick at or squeeze your pimples or zits—this can irritate them and cause scarring.
- If you are using a medication, give it time to work. Your skin may look worse before it looks better, and it may be 6-8 weeks before you see improvement. If you don’t see results after two months, talk to your dermatologist about switching treatments or adjusting your dosage.
- The sooner you treat your acne, the easier it will be to bring it under control. Virtually any case of acne is treatable, and it’s much easier to eliminate lesions in the early stages, which keeps them from growing and prevents scarring.