Treatments, Cures and Tips on Treating Teenage Acne

When making their way down a crowded high school corridor, what teenager hasn't heard a bully taunt an unfortunate victim with "hey pizza face!"? Teenage acne, while it can be incredibly embarrassing to those afflicted with it, is more common than you might realize. It's estimated that up to 90% of teens will suffer through acne bouts at least once in their lives.

Contrary to popular myth, what you eat will not affect how many or few breakouts you will get (unless, of course, you're in the habit of rubbing your fries on your face before eating them, which is doubtful). Acne happens to those genetically predisposed to it; that is, if your parents suffered with it, chances are you will too. Some teens think that if they just wash their faces more often, or with greater intensity, their skin will improve. The exact opposite is true, however: increased washings a day or being extra rough on your skin will merely cause more oil production, exacerbating the problem.

An acne breakout starts deep in the pores of your skin, in the sebaceous gland. This gland naturally produces an oil called sebum, which generally is secreted through follicle openings in your skin, and washed away. When you have acne, however, the follicle opening becomes plugged and doesn't allow the sebum to pass through. This causes a build up, and then an inflammation leading to unsightly pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.

But an acne breakout no longer means the end of the world. Today's acne treatment market is booming, allowing those suffering with adolescent acne a variety of treatments. From over the counter (OTC), to prescriptions from a dermatologist, teens have never had more choices when choosing their weapons in the fight against acne.

For those with mild to moderate acne, a trip to the drugstore is usually all it takes to clear up those pesky spots. There are literally hundreds of treatment options, from scrubs, pads, washes, gels, bars and spritzers, to peels and overnight creams. Brands such as Clearasil, Neutrogena, Stridex, and Noxema all have acne eliminating products designed especially for teenagers. But which are right for you?

The best way to start getting rid of your acne with OTC products is simply by trial and error. There are two types of OTC acne treatments you can buy: natural and medicated. Natural ones can be less harsh on your skin because they include ingredients like vitamin E, witch hazel, tea tree oil (a natural antibacterial), or green tea extract. Natural products can be a good bet if you have sensitive skin, but keep in mind that there have been no clinical tests done to study the actual effectiveness of these products.

Medicated products on the market today typically contain a mix of the following ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, glycolic acid, sulfur, or salicylic acid. These are all utilized to reduce the skin's oil content and encourage the natural shedding process, both of which help to keep pores clear. Read the product labels carefully and decide which seem to most specifically suit your needs. Whatever product you choose, be sure to steer clear of those containing alcohol: it strips the skin to the point of irritation and increased breakouts.

During the course of finding the OTC products that work for you, allow about a month and a half to see if there is any improvement in your skin. Make sure you try only one product with any of the above mentioned ingredients at a time. Too many will only result in more irritation. Follow the product labels carefully. When you do find the products that work for you, stick with them! They're the only thing standing between you and another breakout.

If you suffer from moderate to extreme acne, see a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe you either topical or oral medications stronger than those found OTC. While they do tend to have a greater possibility for side effects, they are also a stronger combatant in the fight for a clear face.

Your dermatologist can offer you several options for curing your acne. First of all are the topical creams, which include retinoid medications, such as Retin-A, Accutane, or Differin, and antibiotic medications, like Cleocin T. Derivatives of vitamin A, retinoid medications encourage the natural shedding process of the skin, and prevent cells from lumping together to form acne. The antibiotics do just as the name implies: kill the bacteria in your pores that causes skin infections. Both of these options do come with more side effects than their OTC counterparts, however; sun sensitivity, redness, itching and dryness are all possible.

For the most serious of cases, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic taken orally, or through the mouth. While they may be very effective in killing the bad bacteria causing your acne, they do affect the entire body as opposed to just the facial area. Side effects may include dizziness or nausea, and any side effect experienced while using a prescribed acne treatment should be reported to your dermatologist.

Today's teenager has more options then ever before when treating their acne problem. With a little trial and error you'll be on your way to healthy, beautiful skin in no time.