Acne. We all remember it from our adolescence; the angry red pimples, the oily skin, the scars.
Some of us may still be dealing with it from time to time as adults.
If you’re a parent with kids who may be suffering from acne, you may be looking for better ways to help them.
After all, acne treatments have improved a hundredfold since our time.
You may already have heard the usual advice; wash your face twice a day, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
While these tips are definitely important, they do not necessarily speed recovery or prevent relapses.
It is so important to treat your pre-teen’s acne quickly. Otherwise, they may end up with permanent facial scars that can last a lifetime.
It’s also important to know what kind of pimples your child is suffering from. Then you’ll know exactly the kind of treatment to put them on.
Here are some tips on how to help your pre-teen deal with acne.
Forget What You’re Told
Old wives remedies and traditional advice may have had their place in the past.
But not in the 21st century.
Rubbing banana peels, or freshly cut potatoes on pimples. Or worse, using limes and tomatoes on bareskin to get rid of zits. Yikes.
These do nothing for acne and may end up even causing more harm than good.
If you’re already recommending these tips for your child, you should stop.
It’s a general rule of thumb to never put any acidic fruits or substances on your face as this will wreak havoc on your skin barrier. Making the acne worse.
It doesn’t matter how organic the ingredients are.
We’re often told that natural is better, but this is a misconception.
Even if the ingredients do have acne-fighting properties, they probably cannot do much unless chemically extracted, purified and refined.
So, it’s better to trust the professionals and decades of science-backed research than the superstitious remedies of our ancestors.
Cleanse Properly
Enough with the soapy, stripping cleansers that do nothing but strip the natural oils from your skin.
Washing your face is indeed important for treating acne, but only if you do it right.
That said, your kids shouldn’t be using any abrasive substances (like those terrible apricot scrubs) or harsh brushes or sponges when they cleanse their face every morning and night. Their fingers will suffice.
And this may seem horrifying after what you’ve been told all your life, but get them some cleansing oil.
Then, after cleansing their skin with oil (which will emulsify any left over acne-causing impurities), they will go again with their normal cleansing foam (a gentle, non-scented one).
This is called double cleansing and it will do wonders for acne-prone skin.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
We’re often told to scrub our faces clean, but this may only end up worsening your skin.
Acne-ridden skin is bad, but having dry skin on top of that is worse.
Teen acne may start off with hormonal imbalances. But it is often worsened by what we do to our skin afterwards.
And the one key thing that experts agree on is that dry skin is bad for acne.
So, instruct your teen to properly moisturise and hydrate their skin after cleansing it.
Its also a good thing to apply nourishing serums while the skin is still damp instead of waiting for it to dry up.
And while the skin is still moist, seal in all that goodness with a good, strong moisturiser.
Doing this regularly will restore the natural balance of your skin barrier, allowing your skin to heal itself from the inside.
Poorly hydrated skin is angry skin.
So, get them some hydrating products containing lots of hyaluronic acid, glyerine and aloe.
Use Topicals
Gone are the days of harsh and harmful acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide that only end up drying out and aggravating your acne.
Science has figured out hundreds of revolutionary new ways to target, prevent and heal chronic acne.
All you need to do is do more research on them.
But for now, here’s a list of well-tested topical treatments from the last ten years that have yielded positive results in reducing acne:
- Niacinamide or vitamin B3 (comes in topical serums)
- Zinc (comes in topical serums)
- Chemical exfoliants or exfoliating acids. AHA (glycolic acid) works great for whiteheads and closed comedones, while BHA (or salicylic acid) works great for pustules and papules
- Retinoid, tretinoin or retinoic acid (vitamin A creams that help cellular turnover)
- Azelaic acid (to help with inflammation and redness)
- Bentonite clay (mixed with apple cider vinegar (do not leave for more than 15 minutes)
- Hydrocolloidal acne patches (absorbs impurities and heals wounds)
- Sunscreen (to protect from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/brown spots caused by acne wounds)
Try Some Supplements
Some oral supplements may help greatly with child acne.
They can slow down sebum production, regulate hormonal changes and even reduce inflammation.
A few examples of acne-fighting supplements include: zinc, vitamin D, evening primrose oil, and green tea.
These come in capsule or tablet form and will generally help combat internal issues associated with acne.
Be sure to follow the right dosage or your child may not experience their full benefits.
However, if your kid has other serious medical condition, always consult your physician first if you want to start them on a new regime.
Modify Their Diet
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t be worried about oily, greasy foods when you have acne.
This is just another popular old wives tale.
Greasy food does not equal greasy skin.
But some foods are notorious for triggering acne flare-ups, even if your child isn’t necessarily allergic to them.
Foods with high GI may aggravate your child’s acne.
So, try to stop or limit their consumption of the following goods: soda, white bread, candy, sugary cereals, and ice cream.
Milk and other dairy products like cheese, yoghurt and whey protein are also inflammatory and may be blamed for recurring acne.
While you’re at it, try and limit processed foods from your home as well.
That is not to say that they can’t have them at all – just remember, everything in moderation.
Zap Those Zits
Acne can leave many physical and psychological scars.
They may affect a child’s self-esteem and confidence during a time when they need them the most.
But as your child grows and enters puberty, acne may sometimes be inevitable.
Unless they were born with perfect genes, your pre-teen may be on the road to a few pimples as they reach the cusp of adulthood.
So, its better to prepare them for it years in advance.
Set them up with a good skincare routine, help them get their supplements in and encourage them to eat healthy. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
But if it’s a little too late and the pimples have already come, it’s not too late to help them.
All your child needs to do is be proactive, persistent and patient. They’ll be on the road to fresh, glowing skin in no time.
You’ve got this, parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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