When you’re a teen, acne is pretty much par for the course.
Most teenagers have some amount of blackheads, pimples, and blemishes.
Younger tweens, ages 8 to 12, get their fair share of blemishes, too.
Zinkevych / Getty Images
Here are seven signs that it’s time to make an appointment.
OTC acne treatments work best formild acne.
But here’s a key piece of info that you may not knowOTC acne products don’t always work.
Try them out for six to eight weeks.
But, suddenly, these products don’t seem to be working anymore.
Though your teen is taking good care of their skin, the acne starts getting worse.
Don’t blame your kid, they’re probably still doing everything right.
Over the course of several months to years, teen acne can progress from mild breakouts to moresevere acne.
The routine that kept breakouts at bay initially may not be strong enough now.
In this case, skip the drugstore products altogether and see a dermatologist right away.
The Acne Is Leaving Scars
Are acne blemishes leaving scars or pits on your teen’s skin?
Get your kid to a dermatologist ASAP.
Those teen acne breakouts won’t last forever butacne scarswill.
Scars are much harder to treat than acne, too.
While severe, inflammatory acne is more likely to cause scarring.
And even mild blemishes can leave scarssome people are just more prone to developing acne scars than others.
No reason to add skincare to the list.
Will you just stop popping your pimples?
Which drives you nuts.
And leads to fighting.
Better to get a prescription medication that works (relatively) quickly.
Teens are more likely to stick with something if they feel it’s working.
And that may help keep the peace in the house.
And, let’s face it, teenagers today place a lot of importance on their looks.
It’s not vain, it’s very age-appropriate.
They’re developing their sense of self.
So acne can be a huge source of embarrassment to teens, even breakouts that we consider mild.
You know your child better than anyone else, and you know if something is bothering them.
Make it a priority.
If your kid is asking, it means acne is really bothering them.
It also means your child is probably feeling overwhelmed and helpless as far as their skin is concerned.
Not possible to take your teen to a dermatologist?
Your family doctor can treat most cases of acne, too.
Make an appointment with your regular physician, or ask about your kid’s acne at their next physical.
However, there are times when a trip to the dermatologist may be required.
Remember, acne is a normal part of growing up.
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Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: tips for managing.
DermResearch.Helping teenagers deal with acne: a parents guide.
Cleveland Clinic.The best acne treatments for teens.
Digitale E.Making adolescence easier: Doctors have answers for acne.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.5 ways to help your teenage survive acne.
