Acne - the unsightly bumps that seem to make an appearance on your skin at the most inconvenient of times. If you're a teenager, chances are you've had your fair share of battles with acne. But don't worry! In this blog post, we'll explore the world of teen acne, the science behind it, why it loves to target teenagers, and the factors that contribute to its stubborn presence. Get ready to uncover a treasure trove of skincare wisdom that will help you navigate the journey to clearer, healthier skin.

Understanding the Science Behind Teen Acne

Picture your skin as a bustling city, and your hair follicles are its busy streets. Now imagine these streets getting clogged with what dermatologists refer to as “debris” – dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria. That's acne for you - a condition that develops when these hair follicles become clogged, leading to those frustrating breakouts.

Why Teenagers Are Especially Prone to Acne Breakouts

Ah, the teenage years - full of growth spurts, newfound independence, and hormonal roller coasters. It's those hormones that play a starring role in the acne show. As your body undergoes changes, the hormone called androgen surges, leading to an increase in oil production. More oil means more chances of clogged pores and, consequently, more acne. [1]

Factors that Contribute to Teen Acne

Acne isn't a simple problem with a one-size-fits-all solution. It's influenced by a variety of factors that come together to create an unwelcome visitor on your face. [2]

• Hormonal Changes: The Main Culprit

Think of hormones as the members of your body's rock band. During your teenage years, these band members really rock which leads to a substantial increase in oil production by your body’s oil-producing glands. The excess oil then mixes with dead skin cells, leading to blocked pores which are a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.

• Genetics: Is Acne in Your DNA?

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have flawless skin, while others are in a constant battle with breakouts? Well, genetics have a say in this matter. If your parents struggled with acne, you might have inherited their skin tendencies.

The Different Types of Teen Acne

Acne is not a one-size-fits-all problem. It comes in various forms, each with its own characteristics and quirks.

• Whiteheads and Blackheads: The Basics

Meet the most common forms of mild acne - whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are the tiny, closed bumps that form when a hair follicle becomes blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads, on the other hand, are open bumps that appear when the clogged material is exposed to air, resulting in a dark appearance.

• Papules, Pustules, and Nodules: Identifying Severity

As the acne situation gets a bit more intense, you may encounter papules which are red, inflamed bumps that can be tender to the touch. Pustules are similar but have a white or yellow center because they are filled with pus. Nodules, the heavyweight champions of acne, are large, deep, and painful bumps that develop beneath the skin's surface.

 

Helping Your Teen Manage and Reduce Stress

 

Stress is considered one of the factors that can negatively affect skin health. It can trigger acne formation or make existing acne worse! When the body experiences stress, it increases the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol, in turn, stimulates the production of oil (sebum) in the skin which can clog pores and lead to the formation of acne. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system rendering it less effective at fighting off the bacteria that contribute to acne.

In addition, stress can also lead to skin-picking and scratching which can introduce bacteria into the skin and further worsen acne. Stress can also disrupt the normal functioning of the gut microbiome which can contribute to skin inflammation and acne formation. Stress also tends to negatively impact a teen’s sleeping, eating, exercising, and skin cleansing habits which further adds to their acne woes.

 

Tips On How to Manage Teen Acne

 The following are some proven strategies for managing teen acne: [3]

 

• Build a Skincare Routine

 

Imagine your skincare routine as a daily ritual that helps your skin stay happy and healthy. The routine should include the following steps:

 

• Cleansing: The First Step to Clear Skin

 

Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. However, be gentle—harsh scrubbing can irritate your skin and make matters worse.

 

• Choosing the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

 

Not all cleansers are created equal. If you have oily skin, opt for a foaming cleanser; if your skin is dry, go for something hydrating and gentle.

 

• The Power of Exfoliation: Scrubbing Away Dead Skin Cells

 

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, preventing them from mixing with oil and clogging your pores. But remember, moderation is key as over-exfoliating can damage your skin's protective barrier.

 

• Picking the Perfect Moisturizer for Hydration

 

Contrary to what you might think, even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is still crucial. Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog your pores.

 

• Use Targeted Treatments When Needed

 

When the going gets tough and your normal routine needs a boost, targeted treatments can be a life saver.

 

• Benzoyl Peroxide

 

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used active ingredients for treating acne. It dives into your pores to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The problem with benzoyl peroxide is that in addition to it being quite irritating for some teens, especially those with naturally sensitive skin, it can also serve as a trigger for new acne formation. How can this be, you ask! Because of the aggressive (irritation-causing) nature of this synthetic chemical, it has a tendency to degrade the natural oils in the skin via oxidative stress leading to inflammation → excess oil production → acne formation.

 

• Salicylic Acid

 

Meet the exfoliator that goes beyond the surface - salicylic acid. It penetrates deep into your pores helping to dissolve oil and debris to prevent future breakouts. It's your secret weapon against those pesky blackheads and whiteheads.

 

• Topical Retinoids

 

Topical retinoids are like the fairy godmothers of skincare. Derived from vitamin A, they work their magic by promoting cell turnover, helping your skin shed old cells and revealing the fresh, new ones beneath. They're also great for reducing the appearance of acne scars.

 

• Sulphur - Nature’s Acne Fighting Ingredient

 

If you prefer a more natural approach, especially if you have naturally sensitive skin, you may want to give spot treatment products containing sulphur a try. Sulphur treatments are just as effective as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid but are gentler on the skin.

 

• Watch What You Eat

 

Remember how your parents used to tell you that eating your veggies would make you strong? Well, turns out, they were onto something, even when it comes to your skin. The food you put in your body can have a direct impact on your skin's health. High-glycemic foods and dairy products have been linked to acne. These foods can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels and trigger inflammation in your body, potentially leading to breakouts.

 

• Foods to Avoid: High-Glycemic and Dairy Products

 

Consider steering clear of sugary treats, soda, and processed foods with a high glycemic index. Dairy products can also be problematic, as they might contain hormones that can trigger excess oil production by your body.

 

• Foods to Embrace: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Antioxidants

 

Stock up on foods that nourish your skin from the inside out. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm angry breakouts. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and nuts protect your skin from inflammation-triggering free radicals and keep it glowing.

 

• Adopt Healthy Habits for Managing Acne

 

Great skin isn't just about the products you use - it's about the habits you cultivate.

 

• Hands Off: The Importance of Not Picking or Squeezing

 

You know that irresistible urge to pop a pimple? Fight it. Picking or squeezing can lead to inflammation, infection, and even scarring. Treat your skin with kindness and it'll reward you.

 

• Choose the Right Makeup and Skincare Products

 

Think of your skin as a delicate canvas. When choosing makeup and skincare products, look for non-comedogenic options which won't clog your pores.

 

• Regularly Change Pillowcases and Towels

 

Pillowcases and towels are like magnets for dirt and oil. Regularly changing them helps prevent these particles from transferring back onto your skin, reducing the risk of breakouts.

 

• Manage Stress

 

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can stimulate oil production and lead to breakouts. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk to keep your skin and mind at ease.

 

• Consult a Dermatologist

 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, acne might persist. That's when it's time to seek professional help.

 

• When DIY Isn't Enough

 

Consider a dermatologist as your acne guru. If your acne is severe or isn't responding to over-the-counter treatments, it's time to consult a professional. They can analyze your skin and recommend a personalized plan of action.

 

• Customized Treatment Plans

 

Dermatologists have an arsenal of tools, including prescription medications, to combat stubborn acne. These might include topical treatments, oral medications, or a combination of both.

 

• In-Office Procedures

• Feed Your Gut Microbiome
• Over-consumption of toxins present in ultra processed foods (junk food), candy (sugar), and fast food (artificial ingredients) is all too common during the teenage years. Because one of the jobs of the gut microbiome is to direct nutrients into the bloodstream and toxins out of the body, eating too much toxin-laden food overwhelms the gut microbiome, causing the toxins to leak into the bloodstream triggering acne formation. Caring for your gut microbiome by consistently feeding it probiotics helps keep toxins flowing in the right direction – out of your body instead of into your bloodstream.

 

If you're looking for more intensive treatments, dermatology offices offer procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These treatments exfoliate your skin and promote cell turnover, giving you a fresh start.

 

Treat Acne Early

Early treatment of acne can help prevent scarring and control future breakouts as your teen transitions into adulthood. This early intervention might also prevent the need for having to use stronger acne medication with more side effects going forward. Studies have shown that when acne clears, self-esteem tends to rise. [4]

 

The Codex Teen Acne Set

With all the various product options available today for managing acne-prone skin, deciding which ones to use can be overwhelming when trying to brainstorm an effective skincare routine. For Codex, the simpler the routine, the better the results, especially when it comes to sensitive skin. Bombarding the skin with a steady stream of various products containing different types, and levels, of active ingredients can be a recipe for disaster leading to skin dryness, sensitization, inflammation, and redness. Gentle, yet effective, is Codex’s mantra. It’s akin to speaking softly (being gentle) but carrying a big stick (being effective). It is for this reason that Codex chose to use mother nature’s acne-fighting ingredient – SULPHUR! For Codex, the SHAANT® TEENAGE ACNE SET is the ideal skincare routine for acne-prone skin because it requires nothing more than the consistent use of a few products, namely:

• daily use of SHAANT® BALANCING FOAMING CLEANSER, a gentle, oil-free cleanser that  reduces oil and calms redness to gently remove excess oil while purifying pores and, if a cleansing boost is what your skin needs, consider SHAANT® PORE PURIFYING ACNE FACE SCRUB and/or SHAANT® HYDRATING ACNE BODY SCRUB
• “as needed” use of SHAANT® SPOT HERO a blemish treatment cream containing 5% active colloidal sulphur, nature’s gentle, yet effective, acne fighting ingredient
• daily use of SHAANT® CLEAR SKIN PROBIOTIC DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, a proprietary blend of ingredients specifically designed for acne-prone skin to support both the gut and skin microbiome, while helping to manage the acne inflammasome.

Codex Labs’ SHAANT® TEENAGE ACNE SET with its patented oil regulating ShaantComplex^® technology, has been specifically designed to proactively stop acne breakouts from happening and treat existing acne blemishes. But don’t just take our word for it.

The Proof Is in The Pudding

Because Codex knows that to see something work is much more believable and meaningful than reading about how well something works, Codex Labs decided to take the next step in acne management by developing its DermSCORE® skin assessment tool. With its breakthrough AI data-driven acne assessment technology, all you need to do is upload a current picture of your face. Once our AI is finished analyzing your skin, a report will be generated containing your personalized data which you can download and review. This data will provide you with information about your current acne situation vis-à-vis the number of pimples/pustules and blackheads/whiteheads present on your skin. You can then track the progress being made on your acne-prone skin by periodically uploading recent photos. You can also, at any time, participate in a LIVE CHAT with one of our licensed estheticians who can assist you on your journey to acne-free skin. And the best part of this acne-assessment tool, other than its acne-monitoring usefulness, IT’S FREE!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just completed your crash course in Teen Acne 101. From understanding the science behind acne to crafting an effective skincare routine, you now have a toolkit to manage those breakouts like a pro. Acne might be a temporary guest, but your knowledge and empowerment are here to stay. Remember, it's not about achieving flawless skin—it's about feeling confident and comfortable in the skin you're in. So go ahead, put your best face forward and embrace the journey to clearer, healthier skin with newfound wisdom and determination.

References:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/
2. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prevent-acne.html#:~:text=What%20Causes%20Acne%3F,get%20acne%20in%20their%20teens.
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acne-treatment-for-teens/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3171294/