5 Ways to Prevent Pimples for Your Teenager

The onset of puberty is one that is marked by the emergence of pimples, which in serious cases, could develop into acne. If not treated, pimples could lead to acne and scars and potentially leave lasting marks not only on the skin but also on the psyche.

Pimples are no laughing matter! Let’s talk about the causes of pimples and how to prevent pimples for teenagers.

What Causes Pimples in Teens

Pimples are clogged pores that have become inflamed due to bacterial growth. Pimples are a symptom of acne and come in different forms:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cysts

Pimples develop when pores become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and/or hair follicles, trapping bacteria. The pore becomes irritated, becomes inflamed, and then forms a red, pus-filled bump on the skin.

There are numerous factors causing pimples, including dirt, poor hygiene, stress, genetics, and hormones. These are also what causes back acne in females. However, since teenagers go through hormonal changes during puberty, pimples are generally a part of growing up. Their skin may produce more sebum, making the skin more prone to acne.

While we can’t help a few pimples here and there, it’s important to address the causes of pimples to prevent the condition from worsening.

How to Prevent Pimples for Teenagers

To adults, pimples may seem like a normal part of life. But for teenagers, it could have a devastating impact on their mental health and self-esteem because they may be bullied and excluded from groups due to their acne. So, while physical beauty is not the end-all be-all, your teen’s life will be better if you implement ways to prevent pimples in puberty.

Establish a Skincare Routine

If your teenager is just starting puberty and doesn’t have pimples yet, get them started on a simple routine to help maintain their skin. Choose a mild cleanser and moisturizer for daily use. Remind them to cleanse daily to remove dirt and sebum, especially after physical activities, and moisturize to keep the skin healthy.

Remember to avoid harsh scrubs and astringents that could potentially cause more damage to a teen’s developing skin. In contrast, good hygiene could make a big difference.

Protect the Skin

It’s important to protect the skin from things and practices that could trigger or worsen pimples.

Things that could cause friction or pressure on the skin may irritate it and cause pimples on the face and body. Examples of these are phones, helmets, clothes, and other sport equipment. Anything that touches the skin should be kept clean, otherwise, remind your kids to shower and wash their faces after using them.

Remind them not to pick or pop pimples themselves because doing so leads to scarring and prolonged inflammation.

Help Manage Stress

Hormones are not the only culprits when it comes to pimples. Stress and anxiety can also cause pimple breakouts and teens have a significant risk for stress and anxiety. Thus, to help manage pimples, it’s important to equip teens with ways to manage stress.

Treat Acne Early

If your teen is already showing signs of pimple or acne breakouts, don’t hesitate to treat it right away. However, remember that teens’ bodies are still developing and, thus, should be treated carefully.

Over-the-counter acne treatments may help prevent pimples for some teens. However, make sure to start with lower dosage and observe how your child’s skin reacts with the products.

• Consider a face wash with a benzoyl peroxide formula to help fight bacteria.
• Salicylic acid is another ingredient in cleansers, exfoliants, and topical creams that you can use to fight acne. It helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
• Adapalene is another OTC topical treatment teens may use to prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation, and thus, acne development. This is a great topical treatment for pimples.
• Aloe vera is a great moisturizer with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Our guide on how to get rid of pimple marks also recommends this to help lighten scars.

Consult with a Dermatologist

Over-the-counter acne treatments may work for some teens, but they may not be suitable for all. If your teen’s acne doesn’t seem to be improving after one or two months of use, consult with a dermatologist.

A dermatologist can offer a more specialized treatment for your child’s skin condition. They may recommend prescription acne medication or advise LED-technology based acne treatment in the Philippines. These treatments are recommended for those with serious cases of acne because it helps accelerate cell repair, kill acne bacteria, and reduce oiliness.

Why Choose Facial Care Centre for Your Teenager’s Acne Journey

There is no one size fits all treatment for acne. Every case is different, even with teenagers. Facial Care Centre takes a personalized approach to acne treatment. We offer a variety of treatments, such as deep acne scar treatment, so you can guarantee that your child gets the appropriate recommendations for how to prevent pimples in teens.

Consult with our experienced dermatologists to give your child confidence through flawless skin.