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To understand acne, you need to know how your skin works.
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</div><p><span lang="EN">If there's one thing you can count on as a teen, it's acne. More than 85% of teenagers have this common skin problem, which is marked by clogged pores (whiteheads, blackheads), painful pimples, and, sometimes, hard, deep lumps on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">If your mom and dad had acne, chances are good that you will, too. But there are many ways to prevent (and treat) acne today to keep the condition minimal, prevent scarring, and leave your skin glowing.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Acne affects people of all skin tones, but it can be particularly challenging for people with darker skin. One pimple or breakout in dark skin can result in long-lasting dark marks, scars, or keloids (scar tissue that grows beyond the original scar). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (</span>PIH<span lang="EN">) can develop from the skin's release of melanin, which can be triggered by acne or harsh acne products. PIH is more likely to occur in darker skin and can last longer than the acne itself. </span></p><p><span lang="EN">Before starting any treatment, it is important to differentiate between acne and other conditions that may look similar, such as ingrown hairs. Treating </span>acne<span lang="EN"> should be done gently to prevent further irritation and dryness, which can worsen dark spots and scarring. Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can help clear pores and reduce inflammation.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-1-2">Types of Acne in Teens</h2><p><span lang="EN">Acne can appear as one of the following:</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Whiteheads: </strong>White dots that are pores impacted with oil and skin covered by skin layers.</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Blackheads: </strong>Black bumps that are impacted pores in which material pushes out through the follicles. </span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Papules, pustules, or nodules: </strong>More serious lesions appearing red and swollen due to inflammation or infection of the tissue around the clogged </span>follicles<span lang="EN">, which are often painful and feel hard.</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Cysts: </strong>Deep, pus-filled pimples.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-1-3">What Causes Acne?</h2><p><span lang="EN">To understand acne, you need to know how your skin works. The pores in your skin contain oil glands. When you hit puberty, there's an increase in sex hormones called androgens. The excess hormones cause your oil glands to become overactive, enlarge, and produce too much oil, or sebum. When there's too much sebum, the pores or hair follicles become blocked with skin cells. The increase in oil also results in an overgrowth of bacteria called </span><i><span lang="EN">Cutibacterium acnes.</span></i></p></section></div><div class="article-page " data-page="2"><section> <p><span lang="EN">If blocked pores become infected or inflamed, a pimple -- a raised red spot with a white center -- forms. If the pore clogs, closes, and then bulges, you have a whitehead. A blackhead occurs when the pore clogs, stays open, and the top has a blackish appearance due to oxidation or exposure to air. (This has nothing to do with skin being "dirty").</span></p></section><section> <p><span lang="EN">When bacteria grow in the blocked pore, a pustule may appear, meaning the pimple becomes red and inflamed. </span>Cysts<span lang="EN"> form when the blockage and inflammation deep inside pores produce large, painful lumps beneath the skin's surface.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Hormonal changes related to birth control pills, menstrual periods, and pregnancy can trigger acne. Other external acne triggers include heavy face creams and cosmetics, hair dyes, and greasy hair ointment -- all of which can increase blockage of pores.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Clothing that rubs your skin may also worsen acne, especially on the back and chest. So can heavy sweating during exercise, and hot, humid climates. Stress is known to trigger increased oil production, which is why many teens have a new crop of pimples on the first day of school or just before that big date.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-2-6">Acne Symptoms in Teens</h2><p><span lang="EN">While the symptoms of acne vary in severity, you'll notice these signs on areas of your body with the most oil glands (the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms):</span></p></section><section> <p>Clogged pores<span lang="EN"> (pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads)</span></p><ul><li><span lang="EN">Papules (raised lesions)</span></li><li><span lang="EN">Pustules (raised lesions with pus)</span></li><li><span lang="EN">Cysts (nodules filled with pus or fluid)</span></li></ul><p><span lang="EN">The least severe type of acne lesion is the whitehead or blackhead. This type is also the most easily treated. With more extensive acne, you may need prescription medications to ease inflammation, bacterial infection, redness, and pus.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-2-8">Acne Treatment in Teens</h2><p><span lang="EN">The first line of defense against acne is a skin care routine. That routine could include:</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Cleanse:</strong> Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Look for products that are labeled as non-comedogenic, which are formulated not to clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both helpful ingredients as well; benzoyl peroxide is good for oily skin but could irritate more sensitive skin. If you have more sensitive skin, look for salicylic acid.</span></p></section></div><div class="article-page " data-page="3"><section> <p><span lang="EN"><strong>Treat:</strong> Apply a treatment product, such as a serum or spot treatment, to target specific skin concerns.</span></p></section><section> <p><span lang="EN"><strong>Moisturize:</strong> Finish by applying a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and lock in the other products.</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Sun protection:</strong> Apply a broad-spectrum SPF during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Exfoliate:</strong> Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.</span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Mask: </strong>Once or twice a week, use a face mask to provide extra nourishment and hydration to your skin.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">If the acne hasn't improved after 3 months, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. The first thing they’ll likely try is topical prescriptions. </span></p><p><span lang="EN"><strong>Topical prescriptions</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN">Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that decreases the bacteria that cause acne. </span></p><p><span lang="EN">Benzoyl peroxide manages the bacteria and reduces inflammation. </span></p><p><span lang="EN">Adapalene (Differin) or tretinoin (Retin-A), which are retinoids, clear clogged pores. </span></p><p><span lang="EN">While benzoyl peroxide and adapalene can be obtained without a prescription, stronger versions of these products can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription. On the other hand, topical antibiotics and tretinoin are only available with a prescription from a doctor. </span></p></section><section> <p><span lang="EN"><strong>Prescription medications </strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN">If topical treatments don’t do the trick, a dermatologist will likely try prescription medications next. Here are some common medications:</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Birth control pills: For people assigned female at birth, high levels of the male hormone androgen can cause acne, unwanted facial hair, and other issues. Taking a low dose of estrogen and progesterone may help alleviate these symptoms. Birth control pills contain those hormones.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can kill bacteria and reduce swelling. However, this treatment can carry risks over long periods of time.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin is a type of oral retinoid that can shrink oil glands. This medication also comes with health risks, so it is typically only prescribed as a last resort after other treatments have failed.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-3-12">Testosterone and Teen Acne</h2><p><span lang="EN">Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, including increased muscle mass and body hair. When trans and nonbinary teens take testosterone as part of their gender affirmation process, it can also result in an increase in sebum.</span></p></section></div><div class="article-page " data-page="4"><section> <p><span lang="EN">Studies have </span><span lang="EN">shown</span><span lang="EN"> that acne is a common side effect of testosterone therapy in teens who are transgender or nonbinary. In some cases, the severity of acne can be significant and can impact self-esteem and overall well-being. While testosterone therapy may contribute to the development of acne, other factors such as genetics, diet, and skin care habits can also play a role.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Teens can work with a doctor to develop an acne treatment plan that takes into account their gender identity and overall health. This may include a combination of topical and oral medications, as well as lifestyle changes and skin care routines. In some cases, it may also be necessary to adjust the testosterone therapy regimen to minimize the severity of acne.</span></p><p><span lang="EN">Acne is a common and treatable condition. Support from friends, family, and health care providers can play a critical role in helping teens feel confident and comfortable in their skin.</span></p></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-4-14">Can I Prevent Acne?</h2><p><span lang="EN">Here are some tips that may help control acne.</span></p><ul><li><span lang="EN">Don't over-wash or use harsh </span>scrubs<span lang="EN">. Acne is not caused by dirt. Two gentle washings a day is enough. Too much cleaning can leave skin irritated and dry, triggering glands to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of pimples.</span></li><li><span lang="EN">Use oil-free or noncomedogenic products (those that won't clog pores) on your face.</span></li><li><span lang="EN">Don't squeeze or pick blemishes. Popping pimples can drive acne bacteria deeper into the skin. Picking can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.</span></li><li><span lang="EN">Don't let acne define who you are. Do what you can to improve your skin, working with a dermatologist, if necessary, and keep doing the things you enjoy.</span></li></ul></section><section><h2 class="jumplink-headers" id="091e9c5e8009260e-4-15">When Should I Call My Doctor About Acne?</h2><p><span lang="EN">Whether you have a few pimples or more serious </span>acne<span lang="EN">, talk to your doctor about treatments. Treating acne early is the key to avoiding permanent scarring.</span></p></section></div>
