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Our Guide to Teen
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Acne
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Find out what you can
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Australian Skin Clinics’ Guide to Teen Acne is designed to help you to understand the causes of
acne, the treatments available, what you can do to treat it and how to prevent further breakouts.
As Queensland’s longest trading medi-spa, we have a vast knowledge in acne management, as well as a
range of other treatments.
You are free to share this ebook, provided that no alterations, deletions or additions are made. This means
that you must distribute it in its original PDF format, in its entirety. The ebook is available from
www.ozskin.com/downloads
Finally, if you feel that you, or your teen, could benefit from a professional acne consultation to confirm
the condition and make recommendations for appropriate treatment, please contact my clinic on 1300
303 014.
We hope that this ebook is helpful to you in dealing with what is a common, but
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often frustrating and upsetting condition.
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Best Wishes,
B
Deb
Deb Farnworth-Wood
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((Clinic Owner)
Contents:
Parent Page ..... 1
Australian Skin Clinics’ Acne Program ..... 1
Kids and Teens Introduction ..... 2
What Causes Acne? ..... 2
Types of acne ..... 3
Why do so many people get acne? ..... 3
The 7 big myths about acne ..... 4 - 5
Why do some people get acne and others don’t? ..... 5
Things to avoid ..... 6
Tips to help you ..... 6
Parent’s Page
Introduction
In Australia 1 in 5 people suffer from acne but at some
point it affects almost all teenagers and even children
as young as 10. However, the good news is, acne is a
treatable medical condition.
Being a teenager is hard enough. Adding acne, and
the embarrassment and self-consciousness that
comes with it, can make it that much harder. Children
and teenagers with acne can feel isolated, lonely and
miserable.
Parents and Teen Acne:
Emotional Issues
Although acne is a skin disease, the effect of it can be
deeper. Acne can have a profound effect on a
teenager’s self-image and self confidence. At its
worst, acne can turn a confident and outgoing
teenager into a depressed and withdrawn teen - a
change no parent wishes to see.
As a parent, you may be frustrated because your son
or daughter seems to be allowing acne to colour their
whole outlook on life. The truth is, as unfair as it
may be, we are all judged by how we look. In
school, that judgment can be merciless.
If acne is an issue for your child, talk about it. They
may need some basic information. The myths that
you may have heard in high school (eg. that it’s
caused by chocolate and soft drinks) are still around ,
torturing the children who believe them. Your child
needs to know that there are treatments out there that
can help.
Finally, keep in mind that anxiety and depression are
common in people with acne. If you see signs in your
son or daughter – social isolation, mood changes,
fatigue, or a loss of interest in activities or hobbies –
don’t ignore them. You can get them the help they
need to deal with their acne.
The Australian Skin Clinics’
Acne Program
At Australian Skin Clinics we have an 80% success rate
of treating acne without antibiotics and medication,
although, in some cases, antibiotics are essential. We
are recognised as a leading authority in the
management of acne. Our acne programs have been
taught to doctors and professionals throughout
Australia, New Zealand and even parts of Europe.
Individual acne programs may include one or more of
the following treatments:
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Microdermabrasion
Peels
Essential Skin Care Products
Blue light treatments
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments
Eporex mesotherapy
We hope this book helps you to understand the truth
and the myths around acne. If you would like to seek
our advice, simply call on 1300 313 014 and we will be
happy to help.
All contents Copyright Australian Skin Clinics Pty Ltd 2011. www.ozskin.com
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Teens... Read on Here
If you're a teenager, the chances are pretty high that you
have had some breakouts. 8 out of every 10 preteens and
teens suffer with acne - and so do many adults! Acne is so
common that it is often considered a normal part of
growing up. You have probably heard “you will grow out
of it” (and for most people acne improves when they
reach their twenties), but can cause lasting scars.
Unfortunately, as we know, it can feel like the end of the
world when you look in the mirror and see a big pimple
on your chin! The good news is that with a few simple
steps, your skin can improve and you can feel a whole lot
better!
So What Causes Acne?
Here’s the Science...
Our skin contains oil glands (called sebaceous glands)
which produce a protective oil (sebum) for our skin. The
sebum reaches the surface of our skin through tiny
channels called pores. Our hair grows up through these
channels too and the oil uses the hair to reach the
surface.
When all goes well, the skin produces just the right
amount if sebum to protect our skin. Other times, we
produce too much or too little oil.
If the oil gets trapped in the pore, it allows bacteria that
normally live on the skin to grow in the pore opening.
When this happens, pores become blocked and pimples
develop.
Not Enough Oil
This makes the skin too dry and flakey. The dry, dead
skin cells then block the pores and prevent the sebum
from coming to the surface of the skin and this creates
spots.
Too Much Oil
This makes the skin greasy and again, if the pores
become blocked pimples develop. Greasier skin
produces more oil so it is assumed that an outbreak of
spots could be worse on greasy skin - but this is not
always the case!
Acne is a skin condition that shows up as different types
of bumps, namely blackheads, pimples & cysts. When
you woke up to see your first nasty pimple, you may
have asked your parent, brother, sister or friend what
you should do. They may have told you to pop it - or
worse still, “come here and I’ll get it for you”! But you
should know that there's a lot of information about acne
out there that's just wrong (and could make it much
worse and leave you with scars).
his:
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Think about
Too much of the wrong sort of make-up, food and other
products on the face can also block pores.
So, if you have a part time job in a cafe or fast food outlet,
you may sometimes wipe or touch your face with hands
that have touched greasy food; if you work in retail, you
may handle money which can be dirty - these are a
couple of real examples of how pores can get blocked.
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A blackhead is formed when the surface of a clogged pore is oxidised
(meaning that oxygen in the air reacted with it). The top then turns black
(which can become a pimple if left blocked).
Sometimes the walls of the pore are broken, allowing oil, bacteria and dead
skin cells to get under the skin. This causes a small, red infection - a pimple
(also known as a pustule).
Clogged-up pores that open up deep in the skin can lead to bigger
infections known as cysts.
Blackheads
Why Do So Many People Get Acne?
Pimples
Some of you will rarely get a pimple but others will find they suffer from
many, even if they take steps to prevent acne. It's totally normal. Teens and
kids get acne because of the hormone changes that come with puberty. It
usually appears on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest. As you
grow and your body begins to develop, these hormones stimulate the
sebaceous (oil) glands to make more sebum and the glands can become
over-active. When there is too much sebum, it blocks the pores and leads to
acne.
In fact, some girls who have a handle on their acne may find that it comes
out a few days before ‘that time of the month’. Boys undergo hormonal
changes too, and may be more likely to suffer from more severe forms of
acne.
Cysts
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The
Myth #1
Popping your pimples is the best way to get
rid of them...
Fact:
Step away from that mirror! Picking or
popping your pimples pushes germs further
under your skin. This will cause more redness,
pain and even a nasty infection. Popping pimples
can also lead to scarring.
Myth #3
Getting a tan clears up acne...
Fact: Nope! Baking in the sun does nothing
to improve your acne. A tan may disguise the
redness caused by acne a little bit, but when
your tan fades, you'll still see your pimples.
Spending time in the sun without proper
protection will cause dry, irritated or burned
skin - not to mention it increases your risk of
developing wrinkles, brown spots and even
skin cancer later in life.
Myth #5
You should ‘dry out’ pimples...
Fact:
False! Remember, we said dry skin
can cause pimples? Well, use of harsh
products containing drying agents such as
benzoyl peroxide (an ingredient in many acne
ranges) can make acne worse.
Myth #2
Chocolate, chips, ice cream etc can cause
acne...
Fact:
Although chocolate and ‘junk food’
do not necessarily trigger the outbreak of
spots, it makes sense to add more fresh fruits,
vegetables and whole grains to your diet.
Studies show that foods high in vitamin A and
beta-carotene may boost your skin health.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, lettuce,
apricots, kale and spinach are all high in
beta-carotene, the type of vitamin A
produced by plants.
Myth #4
If you keep breaking out, use more
medicine...
Fact:
"Less is more" – this definitely applies
to acne medication. Using too much
medication on spots can lead to dry, irritated
skin. Always follow the directions carefully.
If over-the-counter products are not helping
your acne problem, talk to a parent about
visiting a professional. Almost all kids and
teens have to deal with acne at some point but the good news is that with the right facts
and the proper acne treatment, you can help
your skin and put your best face forward!
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Myth #6
You can get rid of acne by washing your
face more...
Fact: Not quite - washing acne areas
regularly is a good idea as washing helps
remove dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt.
However, over-washing or scrubbing your
skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin
and this makes acne worse.
What's the best skin care strategy? As a
general rule, gently wash your face with a
good cleanser in the morning and a mild
scrub in the evening (Australian Skin Clinics
recommend ASAP or Skinstitut). Steer clear of
scratchy exfoliants or scrubs, which can
irritate your pimples.
Myth #7
If you want to avoid acne, don’t wear
make-up...
Fact:
Wear the right make-up! Make-up
can block your pores if you wear traditional
make-up. Choose only products that are
labelled
"non-comedogenic"
or
"non-acnegenic." That means the product
won't block your pores or cause breakouts.
Mineral make-up is also preferable.
Why do some people get acne
and others don’t?
It is not clear why some people are more prone to acne than
others but we do know that acne is affected by the following:
Hormones:
During puberty, boys and girls both increase the production
of androgens which are a male sex hormone. Androgens
cause the oil glands in the skin to enlarge and produce more
oil. Pregnancy, and starting or stopping birth control pills
can also increase androgens.
Genetics:
Researchers believe that genetics are also related to acne so
if your parents suffered from it, you are more likely to have
the same problem.
Drugs:
Some prescription drugs (for example, anti-epilepsy
medication, prednisone, androgens and lithium) are also
known to cause acne. Many recreational drugs can cause
acne too.
Cosmetics:
Cosmetics with a greasy consistency can clog the follicles,
causing them to stick together and resulting in a plugged
pore. Water-based products are less likely to cause acne.
Make-Up:
Poor quality make-up containing talc or oil can make acne
worse. Mineral make-up should not block the pores as the
molecules are larger, but some mineral make-up does
contain talc or oil so check the label and avoid these.
Make-up that is non-comedogenic is the best for acne prone
skin as it allows the skin to breath and lets the oils and sweat
pass through. We recommend Youngblood mineral make-up
for acne skin as it offers great coverage without clogging and
there is a full range of colours to suit every skin type.
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Things to avoid...
Using products that are over- drying on the skin (e.g.
soaps, gels with benzoyl peroxide)
Friction on the skin – such as leaning on it, or rubbing hard
Picking or squeezing spots
Pressure from helmets, backpacks or tight collars
Dirty or greasy hands touching the face
Hair products touching the face - sadly many people with
acne will try and hide under their fringe but this can make
the acne worse
Fragrances usually contain alcohol which drys the skin so
avoid the use of fragrance sprayed directly onto the skin,
or in skin care products
Remember, skin is like a car - it needs a little bit of oil and
a little bit of water to run smoothly, but to avoid too much
oil, make sure you moisturise daily with an ‘oil-free’
moisturiser.
Some tips to help you
It’s simple – keeping your skin acne-free has a lot to do with
HYGIENE!
Wash your face morning and night. We recommend a
thorough cleanser in the morning and a gentle
exfoliating scrub at night.
When choosing makeup, moisturiser or sunscreen, make
sure they are "oil-free", “non-comedogenic", or
"non-acnegenic."
When you wash your face, take the time to remove every
last little bit of your makeup.
Baseball caps and other hats can cause pimples along the
hairline. Wear cotton caps where possible and wash them
frequently.
Wash your face after exercising and sweating a lot.
Try not to touch your face.
Don't be tempted to pick, squeeze or pop pimples – as
you know this makes them worse!
Change your pillow case daily as bacteria and products
from your hair will transfer to your face.
If all else fails...
... we are here to help you. The steps we have talked
about will help most acne sufferers get their problem
under control, but if you still need help there are
effective medical treatments available:
► Micro-dermabrasion
► IPL Treatments
► Prescription Medication
► Peels
► Eporex No-Needle Mesotherapy
► Blue Light Therapy
Ask your parent or guardian to arrange an
appointment for you at Australian Skin Clinics Phone 1300 313 014
3
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Australian Skin Clinics
recommend Skinstitut
and ASAP skincare as
they are proven,
effective, medicalgrade products that
are also affordable.
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