Talking to teens about acne

Skin blemishes are a fact of life for many teenagers, as more than 85 percent deal with acne. Even though it's common among adolescents, many teens feel isolated and embarrassed when they experience breakouts.

For parents with teens suffering from acne, it can be tough to broach the topic of skin care and acne. Parents may be reluctant to draw attention to their child's breakouts since teenagers are particularly sensitive about their appearance. That is why it is important for parents to start a dialogue about skin care early before problems arise.

Sharing one's own experiences may help parents broach the delicate topic with their teen. Acne is known to have a hereditary correlation, so if a parent had acne growing up, his or her teen may be more prone to develop it as well. Knowing that a parent dealt with skin problems often helps teens realize that acne is common but not permanent.

Stressing that acne is normal and common during the teenage years is important in boosting a teen's selfconfidence and starting a dialogue regarding the best course of treatment. Parents can also reassure their teens that a variety of effective blemish treatments exist and that acne can be controlled and, in many cases, prevented.

The key for all teens is to keep skin clean and free of dirt and oil, which can clog pores and cause acne. A consistent daily cleansing routine is the best way to control complexion problems. Cleansing pads are an effective and convenient way to keep skin clean and fresh, especially for active teens with busy schedules.

"Maintaining a consistent cleansing routine is so important. Using over-the-counter treatments regularly will help teens treat existing skin blemishes and prevent future breakouts," said Dr. Charles Zugerman, associate professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University School of Medicine. "Alcohol-free pads don't burn or irritate sensitive skin so they are ideal for everyday use."

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.