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Acne, or teenage pimples, is a common issue that affects many adolescents. Not only does it impact their appearance, but it can also influence their self-esteem and confidence.
At Freyja Medical, we understand the challenges teenagers face with acne, and we offer personalised consultations and treatment plans for effective solutions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of teenage pimples, discuss the best treatments available, and highlight how our professional care can help your teenager get clearer skin.
What Causes Teenage Pimples?
Teenage pimples, often referred to as acne, typically appear between the ages of 12 and 19. This skin condition is most commonly caused by a combination of hormonal changes, excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria.
- Hormonal Changes: During puberty, the body experiences significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in androgens, which stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands. This leads to an overproduction of oil, one of the main contributors to pimples. To learn more about hormonal acne click here.
- Clogged Pores: When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog pores, leading to the formation of pimples. This is particularly common in areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, and back.
- Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria that thrives in clogged pores, contributing to inflammation and infection, which can lead to the development of pus-filled pimples.
- Stress: Teenagers often face stress from school, exams, social challenges, and extracurricular activities. Stress triggers cortisol, which increases oil production and can lead to acne breakouts. Managing stress through relaxation, exercise, or hobbies can help reduce its impact on skin. Click here to learn more about managing stress for acne.
For a deeper dive into all the causes of acne, click here to read our comprehensive blog.
Types of Teenage Pimples
Understanding the different types of pimples can help in finding the best treatment for your teenager’s acne:
- Whiteheads and Blackheads: These are non-inflammatory pimples. Whiteheads occur when pores are completely clogged, and blackheads occur when the clogged pore is open, allowing air to oxidise the contents.
- Papules and Pustules: These are inflamed pimples. Papules are small, red bumps, while pustules are similar but filled with pus.
- Cysts and Nodules: These are larger, deeper pimples that can be painful and may cause scarring if not treated properly.
It’s a common misconception that acne only affects teens. In reality, approximately 3% of adults over the age of 35 in the UK continue to experience acne. Furthermore, a significant number of adults report that acne has negatively impacted their self-confidence and social interactions. There are many myths and misconceptions about acne, from who it affects to rumoured at-home remedies and causes.
Click here to learn more about acne myths and misconceptions.
Teenage Pimples Treatment: What Works?
When it comes to treating teenage pimples, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment depends on the severity of the acne and the individual’s skin type. However, there are several effective treatments that have been proven to work for teenage spots:
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help reduce inflammation and clear clogged pores, making them essential for managing mild acne. These products are most effective when used regularly, but it may take several weeks to see noticeable results. Click here to discover which ingredients matter most in acne products.
- Oral Medications: For more severe acne, oral antibiotics or hormonal treatments (such as birth control pills for girls) can be prescribed. These medications help reduce the bacteria causing acne and balance hormones. Click here to learn more about prescription medications for acne.
- Professional Acne Treatments: At Freyja Medical, we offer tailored acne treatments that are ideal for teenagers struggling with more persistent acne. These treatments include chemical peels, HydraFacials, and professional facials designed to target acne at its source. Click here to learn more about our acne treatment packages.
- Consistent Skincare Routine: Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is key to managing teenage acne. We recommend three key products for a simple yet effective daily routine. Click here to learn more about our La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo routine and how it can help maintain clearer skin.
The Best Treatments for Teenage Pimples at Freyja Medical
At Freyja Medical, we specialise in creating personalised treatment plans that address the unique needs of teenagers. Here’s a look at the best treatments we offer:
- Acne Consultations with a Dermatologist (For moderate to severe acne): Our dermatology experts will assess your teenager’s skin during a comprehensive consultation. They will discuss specific concerns and recommend a personalised treatment plan that may include advanced treatments and even prescription medications for more severe cases.
- Skincare Consultations with a Skincare Therapist (For mild to moderate acne): Our therapists can help create a personalised skincare routine tailored to your teenager’s unique needs through a skincare consultation. We offer medical-grade products to ensure the best results and long-term skin health.
- LED Light Therapy Treatments: LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and promote healing. This non-invasive treatment can be a great option for teenagers struggling with persistent acne.
- HydraFacial: This facial treatment uses advanced technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin, leaving it clear, smooth, and refreshed. HydraFacial can help manage acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- Chemical Peels: Skin peels exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. This treatment can improve the skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of acne scars, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
- Prescription Medication: In more severe cases, our dermatologists may prescribe topical or oral medications, including isotretinoin, to target acne from within. These treatments are carefully monitored to ensure the best results with minimal side effects.
- Acne Scarring Treatment Package: Our acne scarring treatment package includes 6 corrective skin peels and 6 microneedling sessions with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to reduce scarring, improve skin texture, and promote a clearer, smoother complexion.
Skincare for Teenagers: Preventing Pimples
While professional treatments are effective, daily skincare plays a key role in preventing teenage pimples. Here are some skincare tips for teenagers struggling with acne:
- Cleansing: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog pores.
- Moisturising: Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep the skin balanced without clogging pores.
- Avoiding Harsh Products: Teenagers should avoid using harsh scrubs or over-drying products that can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
- Sun Protection: Use an oil-free sunscreen every day to protect the skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars and cause pigmentation issues.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Teenage Pimples?
Most teenagers experience some degree of acne, but if the pimples persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help. At Freyja Medical, we recommend seeking a consultation if:
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective.
- The acne is severe or causing emotional distress.
- The pimples are leaving scars that could be permanent. To learn more about types of acne scarring click here.
Our team of dermatology experts is here to provide support and guidance, helping your teenager achieve clearer, healthier skin.
How to Book a Consultation
Choosing the right treatment for teenage acne starts with understanding your skin’s unique needs:
- For mild to moderate acne, a free skincare consultation with one of our experienced skincare therapists is the perfect place to start. During this consultation, we’ll conduct an in-depth skin analysis and provide personalised recommendations tailored to your teenager’s skin type and concerns.
- For more severe or persistent acne, an initial consultation with one of our expert dermatologists is recommended. These consultations offer a thorough diagnosis and a customised treatment plan, including advanced options and prescription medications if necessary. Dermatology consultation fees apply – click here to view our price list for current pricing.
If you’ve already had a consultation and are ready to explore treatment options, we offer a follow-up free skincare consultation with one of our expert therapists to discuss the best package for your needs.
You can book your consultation online by clicking here or by contacting us directly:
☎️ 01978 799688