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Zits Are the Pits
Face Care for Preteens and Teens
By Gina Roberts-Grey LCSW
Consult your child's health care provider for advice on the best type of cleanser to use. "It is also important to thoroughly rinse skin after washing," says Dr. Ryska, who also recommends her patients shampoo their hair regularly.
Laura Rosenburg, a clinical dermatology nurse specialist in New York, N.Y., cautions that "kids who squeeze, pick or pop their zits risk developing scars or dark blotches and should avoid rubbing and touching their skin lesions." It is also important to note that many medications used to treat acne can make a person more likely to sunburn. A sunburn, or suntan that darkens the skin, may make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier; however, these benefits are only temporary. "It's important teens realize there are known risks of excessive sun exposure, such as more rapid skin aging and a risk of developing skin cancer," says Rosenburg.
If your teen is being treated for acne, she may need to change some of the cosmetics she uses. "All cosmetics should be oil free – when in doubt, read the label," says Rosenburg. "It may also be hard to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment, because skin may be red or scaly."
Boys with acne who shave can test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. If your son uses a safety razor, a clean, sharp blade and softening his beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream can be helpful. Remind him that nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.
Catherine Atzen, P.M.E., has noticed that school finals generally coincide with worsened acne conditions in students. "When a person is under stress due to a happy event, such as falling in love, or negative stress, such as being afraid of getting a bad grade, hormonal changes will appear in the body," she says.