Causes and Treatments for Teen Acne

Acne is a skin condition that invariably affects most teenagers .This condition results from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands). The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that empties onto the skin surface through the hair follicle opening (pore). The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in the follicle openings. When this happens, pores become clogged and pimples develop.

The leading cause of acne in adolescences is hormonal fluctuations.  During puberty the body starts producing hormones known as androgens that contribute to acne. This is all part of our human development and these hormones are produced in different amounts. In boys the principal androgens are testosterone which plays an important role in male traits and reproduction. Boys grow faster because they have higher levels of testosterone in their bloodstream than girls, however, their growth spurts comes at the end of puberty. Testosterone triggers bone cells to become more dense and heavier, finally broadening the chest and shoulders. At puberty muscles develop and boys become stronger and fit.

In girls the main purpose of androgens is for the conversion of estrogen. Teenage girls with an over productions of androgens cause excess hair growth in places like the chin or upper lip. This can be very alarming, but with proper hair removing facial creams, waxing or threading this can be put under control. Girls also experience monthly flare ups due to premenstrual cycle, along with some emotional mood swings.

Although there is no scientific proof that stress brings on acne, many teens have experienced a break out right before big events in their lives. Excess amounts of these hormones cause sebaceous glands (oil glands) to become over active. Normally, oil produced at regular levels is excreted through your skin's surface. When oil is over produced it combines with dead skin cells, which your body naturally sheds, clumping together to form a sticky plug, resulting in acne. This combination traps oil and bacteria clogging the pore, making it impossible for the oil that is being produced to get to the skin's surface. Instead of being released, the oil is now trapped causing inflammation. The inflammation sends a message to your body that something is wrong and in defense, your body rushes white blood cells to the pore, causing a whitehead.

Another factor in the cause of acne is genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. In addition, some drugs (for example, anti-epilepsy medication, prednisone, androgens, and lithium) are known to cause acne. Cosmetics that have a greasy consistency may change the cells of the follicles, causing them to stick together and resulting in a plugged pore. Water-based products are less likely to cause acne.

In most cases, teen acne can be successfully controlled with over-the-counter treatments. More than 40% of teen acne is serious enough to require treatment by a dermatologist. If there is no improvement after several weeks of home treatments, a doctor should be consulted. This is especially applicable for boys suffering from acne.

Young men are much less likely to see a doctor about their acne, even though they tend to have longer lasting and more severe acne than girls. This may be due to the fact that young women feel more comfortable expressing their feelings regarding their skin and are more comfortable asking for help. Parents need to be aware that their young man may be extremely distressed about his skin, but could be unwilling or unable to voice his discomfort.

Sometimes being patient can be difficult while waiting for the skin to naturally heal on its own. Teenagers should be reminded that the acne treatment process can take time. Nearly every case of acne can be successfully controlled if given the time and the right treatments.