Teen Acne

By Nancy Brown, Licensed Esthetician

 

School is back in session and fall sports are underway. It’s hard to admit, but teen acne really can be a social barrier. It can also be a challenge to control during puberty and teenage years. The tendency to over treat the skin just isn’t effective. Over treatment can actually aggravate the skin and create more of a problem.

 

The course of treatment usually goes like this: It starts with a trip to the drugstore to purchase over the counter cleansers, creams, pads, etc. Catch words like “Maximum Strength” “Rapid Action” etc. sound convincing, but without proper instruction prior to use, these products can be extremely drying and irritating to the skin. Next, comes a trip to a doctor’s office, where often antibiotics or harsh topical treatments are prescribed.  In some cases this may be helpful in treating, but again can further aggravate the skin. This is where the role of a skilled and knowledgeable Esthetician can help by way of supportive, long-term care.

 

The common causes of acne are hormones, hyperkeratinization (build of dead skin cells on the outer most layer of the skin), bad bacteria, bad habits, and lifestyle. An Esthetician can help to identify the underlying cause of acne, make recommendations, and suggest effective treatments.  Simple and guided advice will often yield the greatest long-term results. Acne is by no means gender specific: Boys usually experience their worst breakouts between the ages of 16-19, while for girls it is a little younger, between 14-17. About 85% of people between the ages of 12-24 experience at least minor acne. Learning proper skin care early will lead to a lifetime of healthier skin.

 

Acne is not limited to teenage skin; adult acne sufferers face many of the same issues when it comes to treatment. For women, it can often resurface later in life, well into to their 40’s, often becoming painful and cystic. Proper guidance, appropriate regular treatments, a consistent at home care regimen, and when necessary medical follow up, are essential factors in managing acne prone skin. The main focus for acne treatment is not to compromise the integrity of the skin. The goal is to keep pH levels balanced and maintain healthy, strong skin.

 

Contact Nancy Brown, Licensed Esthetician at Four Pillars for more information and for a free skin consultation. Four Pillars Teen Facial $55, Adult Breakout Control Treatment $80

Four Pillars: San Marco Plaza 8209 Nature’s Way, Suite 221, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 www.fourpillarsflorida.com 941-373-3955