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Say good-bye to teen acne

Taking the angst out of teen acne

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Originally published in Today's Parent October 2010

Puberty is no picnic, but things get especially awkward for kids whose complexions go from pristine to pimply, seemingly overnight. And the effect may be more than skin deep. “Acne has a profound impact on a teen’s self-esteem and can even cause depression,” says Woodbridge, Ont., dermatologist Vince Bertucci. Do you have a young teen who is plagued by pimples? Here’s how to help her save face.

Why teens?

From blemishes to full-blown breakouts, most kids get pimples. Spots usually start appearing between ages 11 and 13, thanks largely to hormone fluctuations, which stimulate oil glands. “Acne appears when pores become plugged with oil and dead skin cells,” says Bertucci. Why do some kids have it worse than others? Blame genetics, he says.

However, acne does not mean your teen has hygiene issues, and it’s also a myth that munching on a Mars bar will cause an instant eruption. “There’s no good proof that junk food causes pimples,” says Bertucci. More good news? Acne usually clears up by the end of the teen years, although 20 to 25 percent of people are still prone to breakouts as adults.

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