Adolescence is the age of great transformations, of countless questions, both from parents and from those targeted, of adolescents.
The body of adolescents undergoes countless changes: biological and anatomical changes take place that lead to the formation of reproductive capacity.
These young people go through a period with the most intense and contradictory feelings and sentiments. Their self-image is also going through various changes and it is not at all easy for a teenager to face so many challenges all this time.
Among the most obvious biological changes is the change in skin quality. Hormonal changes lead to excessive sebum production, the skin becomes fatter, and blackheads, pimples can appear. Because the sebaceous glands are mainly on the forehead, nose and chin (in the T-zone), these areas are prone to blackheads and pimples.
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Blackheads are small dark spots that appear when the pores are blocked by excess sebum and impurities.
Pimples or acne are also caused by impurities and sebum, but in this case the plug that blocks the pores becomes inflamed due to bacteria normally present in the skin and thus leading to the formation of pustules which are actually a white-yellow collection of pus with red base.
These dermatological problems create a permanent state of discomfort, frustration, sometimes even social isolation. Sometimes teenagers tend to mask or hide these skin problems for reasons of embarrassment. Therefore, parents should follow them and observe in advance the signs that warn of the occurrence of these problems.
Although adolescents may be prone to acne, there are other factors besides genetic that can trigger and / or aggravate these problems. The most important trigger is the increase and fluctuation of sex hormones. Factors that do not actually trigger, but can aggravate the condition of blackheads and acne are: stress, oily cosmetics, air pollutants and scratches, squeezing pimples.
To prevent acne and blackheads, a proper skin care ritual is recommended:
- the skin should be cleansed twice a day (morning and evening). If the teen's skin is very oily, it is recommended to use delicate products that are not oily and have an antibacterial character. If your teen's skin is normal or dry, they can use oil-based make-up removers or cleansers. In general, read the product label carefully. The longer the list of ingredients, the more likely it is that one of the ingredients will cause skin irritation. At the following link you can read about the common ingredients found in shampoos, bath foams, etc., and their negative effect on the body.
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- if the teenager uses makeup, it should always be removed in the evening, before going to bed. For this purpose, a cleansing milk can be used to remove the make-up from the more loaded areas. After that, cotton pads soaked in micellar water will be used which, in addition to the antibacterial effect, they remove very well the make-up, excess sebum or daytime dust accumulated on the skin, and have a beneficial invigorating effect. The skin is cleaner, more velvety.
- after removing impurities, it is important that the skin is properly hydrated. Special products dedicated to adolescents will be used, which control the production of sebum but also moisturize and invigorate the skin. Of course, the ingredients of the products will also be taken into account in this regard. There are many products on the market that are labeled as "organic", but still contain synthetic ingredients that can cause irritation.
- during the week it is recommended to use gentle exfoliating products that help remove blockages in the pores. These products must be products dedicated to the skin of the face and no body scrubs will be used to exfoliate the face.
- once a week it is recommended to use antibacterial masks that clean the pores and help remove dead cells and regenerate the skin.
- if your teen has oily hair, it is recommended that it be washed frequently (every two days) to prevent oily hair from coming into contact with the skin.
If blackheads or acne could not be prevented, here are some recommendations to minimize their aggravation:
- the skin and hands must be kept clean so as not to infect any pustules
- do not wash your skin more than twice a day, as it can eliminate beneficial bacteria on the skin and irritate the skin
- to dry the skin after washing, it is recommended to use disposable paper towels, as cotton towels can accumulate dust, impurities and bacteria
- do not scratch, squeeze acne, because it may aggravate the situation and the pimples will grow and spread
- avoid makeup as much as possible. The foundation masks pimples but blocks pores, aggravating inflammation.
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- leave the acne area as free as possible. Try to prevent the problem area from coming into contact with your hair, phone, sweater collar, scarf, etc.
- eat fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A, E and B3, because these vitamins are essential for healthy skin. Foods that contain vitamin A: spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Foods that contain vitamin E are as follows: no, hazelnuts, avocados, green olives. Foods rich in vitamin B3 (niacin) are the following: broccoli, wheat germ, wholemeal products, raspberries, melons, mushrooms, green beans, etc.
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- try to drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel the need, because it helps to detoxify the body and remove pimples
- if blackheads or acne bother you or spread, consult a beautician who will cleanse your skin mechanically, but gently, possibly breaking some of the pustules, but in conditions and with hygienic and professional methods
- there are pimples in pharmacies to treat pimples that can be bought without a prescription. They often contain: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, sulfur, or other ingredients effective in treating acne and blackheads at home.
- consult your dermatologist if you are concerned about the acne you have or the treatments you have applied at home have not worked.
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In conclusion, skin problems, especially in adolescents, have very different reasons and can cause a state of discomfort, a deterioration of self-image. Many of these problems can be prevented, or treated in the early stages, but it is certain, they deserve more attention from both adolescents and their parents.