It’s not long now until our teenagers will be packing their school bags and returning for another year of secondary school education. Heading back to school after the summer holidays can be a stressful time for many, and particularly if your child is feeling self-conscious about their appearance – and nothing makes teens more self-conscious than acne.
Your teen may have an ongoing acne problem that has made them a target for bullies in the past, or they may be having their very first acne breakout. Here, our experienced dermatologists offer some handy tips to keep the spots at bay.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can result in pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Hormonal changes, genetics and certain medications can all contribute to the development of acne.
Acne can cause six main types of blemishes:
- Blackheads: Small black or yellowish bumps that form on the skin. They appear dark not because of dirt, but due to pigmentation from the inner lining of the hair follicle.
- Whiteheads: Similar to blackheads but firmer. They do not empty when squeezed.
- Papules: Small red bumps that may be tender or sore to the touch.
- Pustules: Similar to papules but with a white tip in the centre caused by a build-up of pus.
- Nodules: Large, hard lumps that develop beneath the skin’s surface and can be painful.
- Cysts: The most severe type of acne blemish, these are large, pus-filled lumps that resemble boils and have the highest risk of causing permanent scarring.
Top tips for back-to-school acne
Acne can be a difficult and persistent problem. However, there are steps young adults can take to manage and prevent breakouts in preparation for their return to school. By following a consistent skincare routine, avoiding any known common triggers, and if necessary, seeking professional help from an experienced dermatologist, it is possible to gain control over acne and help your teen face the new school year with confidence and clear skin. Here are our top tips to preventing and managing acne:
Make time for skincare every day
This is the most important tip. Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Work with your dermatologist to develop a regime that suits your skin and always follow it. Regardless of the type of acne you’re facing, wash your face no more than twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Use gentle cleansing and moisturising without any harsh chemical face washes. To get the full benefit of your daily skincare routine, it’s essential to understand the specific type of acne you’re dealing with.
Eat healthy
Avoid fast food as much as possible. Instead, plan meals rich in protein, fibre, healthy fats and simple carbohydrates that won’t spike your blood sugar. For many parents and teens, this means taking time to shop and plan and prepare meals in advance, but the long-term health benefits and reduced risk of breakouts are worth the effort. This doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally enjoy a pizza with friends, but this should be an occasional treat, not an everyday indulgence.
Rest
Getting enough rest is crucial for both your mind and body. During sleep, your body heals, and cells regenerate, which is essential for maintaining overall health. Lack of sleep triggers cortisol release, leading to skin inflammation and increased acne breakouts. This is particularly common in students who stay up late for homework, hobbies or social events. Prioritising 6–10 hours of sleep nightly is essential to support your skin’s health and overall wellbeing.
Stress management
Although stress does not cause acne, studies have shown that if you already have acne, stress can make it worse. Practising stress management techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and taking breaks can help minimise the impact of stress on your skin. If your skin becomes too sore and nothing is helping, ask your GP to refer you to Novus Health to see one of our dermatologists who will assess the severity of your skin problems and offer advice, information and, if needs be, treatment to manage your specific acne.
Makeup
When a spot appears, our first instinct is to get rid of it and then conceal any trace of the offending blemish. For those with acne-prone skin, we recommend using a water based or gel-based foundation. These types of foundations are lightweight, allowing them to glide on smoothly while effectively covering blemishes without clogging pores. This helps in managing acne while achieving a natural, flawless look.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can help keep your skin clear. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and maintain the skin’s moisture balance, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. Carry a water bottle to school and drink regularly throughout the day.
Don’t be tempted to pick or squeeze!
As annoying as they are, try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze acne blemishes. Touching your face and manipulating spots can introduce more bacteria to your skin. Picking or squeezing can cause the blemishes to worsen, spread to other areas and result in scarring. What’s more, the healing process is often prolonged when spots are disturbed. To maintain clear skin and promote healing, it’s best to avoid touching your face and let the blemishes heal naturally.
Develop healthy skin habits
By following these tips and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, students can better manage their acne and maintain healthy skin during the school year. Remember, early intervention and good habits are key to preventing acne from becoming a major concern.
Dermatologists’ tips for acne
If you find that, despite taking preventive measures, your acne persists or becomes increasingly severe, it may be time to seek professional help. NHS residents in Wakefield can ask their GP to refer them to Novus Health’s dermatologists for further evaluation and treatment options. We’ll help you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific skincare needs. From prescription medications to advanced skincare techniques, we can work with you to help improve the health and appearance of your skin.
Remember, early intervention and good habits are key to preventing acne from becoming a major concern. If you find that, despite taking preventive measures, your acne persists or becomes increasingly severe, it may be time to seek professional help. NHS residents in Wakefield can ask their GP to refer them to Novus Health’s dermatologists for further evaluation and treatment options.
To learn more, visit https://novushealth.co.uk/physical-health/dermatology
Read the Wakefield Express article here https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/novus-health-clear-skin-advise-for-teenagers/ar-AA1pc9wo?ocid=BingNewsSerp
