“Although acne is considered to be a very common problem that can affect up to 90% of teenagers, it should not be assumed as something normal that does not require treatment. The biggest problem with acne is the consequences (physical and psychological) it produces. You should always check with a dermatologist to treat this problem”, says Dr. Yaril Moreyra, a dermatologist at our clinic.

What are the most common cases of acne among teenagers?

During adolescence the skin changes and the production of fat in the skin increases. The most common cases are adolescents who have acne breakouts in the form of pimples and pustules (pimples with pus).

When should I take my child to the dermatologist?

You should go to the dermatologist if the acne outbreaks are very persistent, if the lesions are numerous or affect several areas of the face, if there is involvement on the chest and back, if the acne lesions are of the nodular type (large and deep pimples) .

How can the teenager know what type of skin he/she has?

• Normal skin is mixed; that is, slightly oily in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry on the sides. The classification of oily or dry skin will depend on the amount of oil that is perceived in the T-zone. Generally, people who suffer from acne tend to have oily skin.
• Skin care is based on removing excess fat from the T zone, and moisturizing dry areas of the skin.

Recommendations to consider:

• Take care of the skin throughout the year. In winter it tends to dry out more and will require more hydration, and in summer greater emphasis will be placed on sun protection.
• Perform a proper skin cleansing routine to control excess oil. Special acne-fighting soaps and topical antibiotics can be used on the pustules.
• Keep in mind that although it has been shown that the consumption of foods with a high glycemic index (high capacity to raise blood sugar) such as junk food, favors the appearance of acne; it is mainly overweight and obesity that can aggravate acne. If your teen eats junk food occasionally but maintains their ideal weight, their acne probably won’t get worse.
• Promote food education and physical activity from childhood, which will help prevent overweight and obesity in later stages of life, helping to maintain a better state of health in general.
• Keep in mind that acne has a large genetic component, therefore, a healthy diet and physical exercise alone do not guarantee that a teenager will not suffer from acne. For this reason, it is important to seek the advice of a dermatologist who will indicate a specialized treatment according to each case.

Dr. Yaril Moreyra
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma