It was a rainy Thursday afternoon, and the salon was bustling with life. The sound of blow dryers hummed in the background, mingling with soft music and the chatter of clients catching up with their stylists. I was at my favourite salon, indulging in a much-needed haircut, when I overheard a quiet yet concerned conversation at the next station.
A young girl, probably around 16, was sitting with her mother. Her face carried the telltale signs of acne—red, inflamed spots along her cheeks and forehead. She avoided eye contact, her hair framing her face as though trying to hide the breakout. Her mother leaned closer to the stylist and whispered, “Do you think the products she’s using might be causing this? She’s so upset about her skin.”
I couldn’t help but empathize with the girl. Acne can be incredibly challenging for teenagers, not just physically but emotionally. As the stylist excused herself for a moment, I took the opportunity to gently introduce myself.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Priya,” I said with a warm smile. “I couldn’t help but hear your concern. If you’d like, I’d be happy to share some advice that might help.” The mother and daughter both looked relieved, and we began to talk.
What is Acne?
Image courtesy NHS
“Acne,” I explained, “is a very common skin condition caused by inflammation of the oil glands in the skin. It starts when the glands become blocked, leading to blackheads or whiteheads. These can then become inflamed, turning into red or yellow pus-filled spots called pimples. Sometimes, acne can even cause tender cysts that feel painful to the touch.”
The mother nodded, asking, “Is it because she doesn’t clean her skin enough?”
“That’s a common misconception,” I replied. “Acne isn’t caused by dirt. In fact, over-washing or scrubbing the skin too hard can make it worse. It’s often linked to hormonal changes, especially during adolescence, which increase oil production in the skin.”
What Causes Acne?
I continued explaining, “During puberty, both boys and girls experience a surge in male hormones called androgens. These hormones increase oil production in the skin, which can clog pores. Bacteria in the skin feed on this oil and release substances that irritate the skin, leading to inflammation.”
The girl finally spoke up. “So it’s not because I eat chocolate or chips sometimes?” she asked hesitantly.
“Good question,” I said. “Some people believe that certain foods like chocolate or greasy snacks can make acne worse, but there’s no strong evidence to support this. However, a healthy diet can improve your overall skin health.”
Who Gets Acne?
“Acne is most common between the ages of 13 and 18,” I explained. “It’s slightly more common in boys during puberty but tends to persist longer in girls, especially around their menstrual periods.”
The mother asked, “When will it go away?”
“For most people, acne starts to improve after their teenage years,” I said. “By the age of 20, it usually settles, though some people may experience it longer, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.”
How is Acne Treated?
The girl sighed, “I’ve tried everything—scrubs, face masks, even creams from the store. Nothing works.”
“Let’s talk about effective treatments,” I said. “The right approach depends on the severity of your acne. Here’s what I recommend:
- Diet: Stick to a balanced diet. Although there’s no definitive link between food and acne, avoiding high-glycemic foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help.
- Cleansing: Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser twice a day. Avoid scrubbing or harsh soaps as these can aggravate the skin.
- Cosmetics: Choose water-based or non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking) products. Avoid oily moisturizers or heavy makeup that can worsen acne.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can be very effective. Apply these sparingly, as too much can dry out the skin.
For more persistent acne, I explained that prescription treatments, like topical antibiotics or oral medications, might be necessary. “It’s best to consult a dermatologist if these initial treatments don’t work,” I added.
Important Tips for Managing Acne
The girl leaned forward, eager for more advice. “Is there anything I shouldn’t do?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” I said. “Here are a few things to avoid:
- Don’t squeeze or pick at pimples. This can lead to scarring or worsen the inflammation.
- Avoid over-washing your face. Gentle cleansing is enough.
- Protect your skin from the sun, but use non-oily sunscreen to avoid breakouts.”
I also mentioned that regular exercise and good hydration could help improve overall skin health, though exercise alone isn’t proven to treat acne directly.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
The mother asked, “How do I know if we need to see a dermatologist?”
“If the acne is severe, causing deep, painful cysts, or leaving scars, it’s time to consult a specialist,” I said. “There are advanced treatments like oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or even isotretinoin for stubborn cases. The earlier you treat severe acne, the better the outcome.”
How to Support Your Teen with Acne
Turning to the mother, I said, “It’s also important to support her emotionally. Acne can really affect confidence, especially in teenagers.”
I shared a few encouraging tips:
- Remind her that acne is a temporary phase and doesn’t define her.
- Avoid criticizing or nagging about her skincare routine—it’s already tough enough for her.
- Celebrate small improvements to boost her confidence.
Key Takeaways for Teens and Parents
Before I left, I summarized the key points for both mother and daughter.
- Acne is a common condition caused by blocked oil glands and hormonal changes during puberty.
- It’s not caused by dirt or poor hygiene.
- Treatment should be gentle and consistent, focusing on mild cleansers, non-comedogenic products, and topical treatments.
- Avoid squeezing pimples to prevent scarring.
- Severe or persistent acne requires professional help from a dermatologist.
“Thank you so much, Dr. Priya,” the mother said with a smile. “You’ve really put her at ease.”
The girl even managed a small smile. “Thanks,” she said shyly. “I’ll try some of these tips.”
As I left the salon, I couldn’t help but reflect on how something as seemingly small as acne can feel so big to a teenager. Helping someone regain their confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of being a doctor.
FAQs About Acne
1. What causes acne?
Acne is caused by blocked oil glands in the skin, hormonal changes during puberty, and bacterial inflammation.
2. Can acne be prevented?
While you can’t entirely prevent acne, maintaining a gentle skincare routine and avoiding harsh products can minimize breakouts.
3. Does diet affect acne?
There’s no definitive proof, but a healthy diet low in sugary, high-glycemic foods can benefit overall skin health.
4. Are scrubs or facials effective for acne?
Scrubs can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Stick to mild cleansers and avoid harsh treatments.
5. When should I see a dermatologist?
Seek professional help for severe acne, deep cysts, or if over-the-counter treatments don’t work after several weeks.
