6 important ways to help your teenager manage acne

Every teenager experience puberty, which is an important time in their life when they sexually mature. Starting as early as 11 years of age, hormones in their bodies will start to cause physical changes, one change being acne. Acne can appear differently in every person. Some cases may be mild while others may have severe acne. Acne does not only affect the outer appearance but can affect your teenager mentally. As a parent, you can help them manage their acne. Here are six ways you can start:

Start helping early

The sooner you can start to help your teen, the better you can manage their acne. Your teen may feel too embarrassed to ask for your help. You can look for signs by paying more attention to their condition and be pro-active by making them know that you are there to help. Getting early treatment can also prevent acne from breakout. Teenagers with acne usually feel shy and embarrassed about their appearance, which makes them scared of communicating with others. If your teen has any signs of social withdrawal or depression, you should be the first one to support them.

Share with your teen

Remember your teenager is still young and may not understand the importance of skin care. You used to be a teen struggling with acne and you know what is necessary. You should tell them your experience. In some cases, talking about skin care can make your teen feel less embarrassed and more comfortable to share with you how they feel too. You can deliberately mention the topic when you are out shopping together. Share with your teenager informative websites or skin care references that can help. By giving your teenager the resources, they can feel more independent and in control of their acne.

Teach your teen about personal hygiene

Dirt and bacteria can transfer from hands to the face, causing acne to be more severe. You should teach your teenager to keep his or her hands and face clean. This means to always wash their hands after using the bathroom and cleaning their face at least 2 times a day with a gentle cleanser. Your teenager may need to bring a facial cleanser to school and wash after gym class. Remind them to change out of their gym clothes. When sweat is trapped underneath the clothes, it can clog the pores and lead to body acne. You should also make sure to wash their bedding and linens regularly. Pillowcases and blankets can contain oils and bacteria that can cause more acne breakouts.

Tell them to avoid oily products

Acne can worsen with greasy beauty products. Many people like oily hair products to style their hair. If your teen uses oily hair products, you should let her know that when she sweats the oil from the product can clog her pores and cause acne. When you and your teen choose skin care products, suggest your teen to pick products labeled “oily-free” or “noncomedogenic.” This means they will not block the pores and it is good for acne-prone skin.

Encourage a proper diet

Foods high in both trans and saturated fats, or products rich in calories can trigger acne breakout because they promote oil glands to produce more oil. So it is necessary to change your teen’s daily diet if you wish to help them to manage their acne. Instead of foods with high sugar content or refined grains, you should consider and prepare healthy meals that include fruits, vegetables, and low-fat food. Simple changes in what your teen eats can help improve his or her skin condition.

Take your teen to visit a dermatologist

Acne can be easily treated. If home remedies or lifestyle changes are not working, you can bring your teen to see a dermatologist. The doctor will check and give your teen a best suitable treatment. After that, you will be the one to remind him or her to be patient and follow the instruction. You can monitor your teen’s skin to see improvements or notice any unwanted side effects.

Acne can make your teenager feel less confident, which can affect  his or her social life. It is important to support your teenager with learning the basics about acne and how to take control of their skin care. Help them understand that acne is something that every teenager will have to go through. It is how you manage it that matters.