Acne is a common problem and the most affected population is teenagers. During adolescent years, almost every single teen will have at least one breakout of acne. The specific case and condition of acne depends on the individual, but most experience whiteheads, blackheads, and in more severe acne cases, cystic acne. In addition to facial acne, many teens will also experience body and back. Fortunately, many teenage acne treatments have been created to deal particularly with hormonal and adolescent acne.

Causes of Teenage Acne

During puberty, teenagers experience changes in their bodies as well as changes in hormone levels. Imbalanced hormones can create growth spurts, body hair, and overactive body glands. One of these glands, the sebaceous gland, produces sebum which is responsible for maintaining moisture in hair and skin. During adolescence these glands enlarge and produce more sebum under the influence of hormones. Higher levels of sebum and heightened activity in the glands create risks for the development of acne.

Acne starts within these sebum glands when damage is done to healthy living cells. This damage is possible through the sheer force of sebum output, a common factor during adolescent hormonal change. Further damage can be done by the hardening of sebum, or the mixture of oil and dead skin cells within the follicles. The damage triggers an inflammatory immune response that irritates and reddens the skin and can cause what we know as a pimple. Another factor may be hereditary as it has been found that those whose parents suffered from teen acne, or currently suffer from adult acne, are at higher risk for developing teenage acne.

Teenage Acne Treatment

There are numerous teenage acne treatments that include over-the-counter topical acne creams, medical prescriptions, daily cleansers and toners, as well as a variety of natural skin care options. Unfortunately there is no answer to acne and skin care products always depend on the individual and how their skin responds to the treatment. However, advice for all is to know about the causes of acne in order to treat those rather than just the symptoms. Severe medications are not necessary in treating teenage acne. In many cases, acne will improve naturally with the passing of puberty and balancing of hormone levels. You should avoid harsh treatments that might damage skin cells long after the recovery of teenage acne. Instead, opt for natural types of acne treatment cream that target the biological factors of acne development.

Skin Friendly Diet

Diet changes could also help in the treatment of acne. However, the common myth that acne results from eating chocolate or greasy foods is not true. Heightened sebum secretion due to hormones is not related to what kinds of food you eat. Nevertheless, it is important to eat a healthy diet that has all the necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep your skin healthy. Diet is important during adolescence as the body is growing and needs enough to do so healthily as well as maintain a strong immune system. Also, it is shown that those with healthy diets are less stressed and therefore less at risk for overactive glands and acne.