Juvenile acne

Juvenile acne is the most common skin condition Patients present to dermatologists’ offices. Acne affects almost all people between the ages of 14 and 20. Pimples, papules, and blackheads usually appear on the face and neck, but it is not uncommon for acne to affect the back and chest as well.

Juvenile acne is a serious aesthetic problem for young people, it is also a dermatological condition that should not be underestimated. There is a risk that untreated acne will develop into inflammation leaving deep scars on the skin.

Juvenile acne can be successfully treated in aesthetic medicine and dermatology offices. In the Zakrzewscy Clinic we offer a comprehensive acne treatment program which is adapted to the individual needs of each Patient.

Why do pimples appear on the face and body

Acne is mainly caused by dead skin cells from the lining of hair follicles that stick together due to overproduction of keratin in the skin. The resulting lumps become a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause inflamed pimples. The more keratin and sebum produced by the sebaceous glands, the more likely many unsightly pimples will appear on the skin.

Causes of juvenile acne

There are many factors that determine whether or not you will develop acne during your teenage years, and in what severity. These causes can be interrelated. Some of the most common causes of juvenile acne include:

• Hormonal changes in the body – testosterone and the hormone DHT contribute to the development of acne, which from the blood pass to hormone receptors in the skin enlarging the sebaceous gland and increasing sebum production. Testosterone and DHT appear in the body during puberty, with men having more of them than women. In women, in turn, hormonal changes also occur with the onset of the menstrual cycle.

• Bacteria (P. acnes) – P. acnes live on the skin and in hair follicles, where they feed on dead skin cells and sebum. Bacteria multiply rapidly if the hair follicle becomes blocked or the sebaceous gland starts producing a lot of sebum. Keep in mind that the presence of bacteria on the skin is normal, and the development of acne is not a sign of poor hygiene.

• Cosmetics – cosmetics and other skin care products form a coating on the skin clogging pores. Some, oilier products can get inside the hair follicles blocking them.

• Stress – cortisol released into the body in stressful situations causes an increase in the production of testosterone and DHT, which contribute to the clogging of hair follicles and the development of acne, among others. Stress also causes general inflammation in the body, which can worsen acne-prone skin.

• Diet – Foods that increase blood sugar levels (sugar, carbohydrates and dairy) cause an increase in the hormone IGF-1 in the body, which in turn leads to an increase in testosterone and DHT levels.

• Certain medications, including steroids and hormone therapy – steroids affect the body’s production of testosterone and DHT, which cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and increase sebum production. Steroids applied directly to the skin can cause and exacerbate acne at the site of application.

How juvenile acne is diagnosed

Juvenile acne is diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms of the skin lesions. During the diagnosis, the dermatologist evaluates the type of pimples, the severity of the acne, and its location on the body, and then determines the optimal treatment plan with the Patient.

Treatment methods for juvenile acne

The earlier proper teen acne treatment is undertaken, the more likely it is that acne will be mild and not leave scars on the skin. Juvenile acne treatment often requires several therapies at once, as well as proper skin care at home.

Most acne treatments take time to work. It is believed that therapies should be continued for at least 12 weeks to evaluate their effectiveness. For severe acne, it is necessary to see a dermatologist who will prescribe prescription medications and offer topical therapies.

Common treatments for juvenile acne include:

• hormone therapy
• antibiotic use
• peelings, including chemical peelings and exfoliation
• extraction of blackheads
• use of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinols and steroids
• freezing of blemishes
• Laser and light therapies that destroy the bacteria that cause acne inflammation.

Laser therapy in the treatment of juvenile acne

Light and laser therapies kill the bacteria (P. acnes) that cause acne inflammation. They also reduce the amount of keratin in the skin reducing the risk of dead skin cells sticking together from the hair follicle lining.

Laser therapy is a safe and effective method of treating acne lesions, provided that it is carried out by an experienced physician using modern equipment. Otherwise, there is a risk of skin burns, the appearance of blisters, scars or changes in skin pigmentation.

As with most acne treatments, light and laser therapies take time to achieve clear and smooth skin. The course of treatment and the number of sessions needed is determined individually with the Patient depending on the severity of the acne and its location, among other factors.

Treatment of juvenile acne in the Zakrzewscy Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology

At our clinic, we offer Patients an effective teen acne treatment program that includes:

• medical consultation, during which the physician determines with the Patient the optimal acne treatment plan
• treatment using modern forms of laser therapy and cosmetological procedures
• continuous monitoring of treatment progress and Patient care.

In the Zakrzewscy Clinic, based on international guidelines for effective treatment of juvenile acne, we offer Patients effective treatment methods such as:

• skin cleansing and exfoliation – treatments HydraFacial and chemical peelings
• laser therapy using Alma Pixel CO2 laser and Discovery Pico Plus laser
• anti-inflammatory pharmacology
• professional use dermocosmetics including proper skin care at home.

Advantages of laser therapy in the treatment of juvenile acne

Laser therapy using the Alma Pixel CO2 and Discovery Pico Plus lasers is a minimally invasive method that:

• effectively and quickly reduces the number of blemishes and smooths the skin
• is associated with minimal risk of complications
• is almost painless
• does not require a long recovery period or the use of pain medication.

The effectiveness of acne treatment also depends on the Patient’s adherence to the dermatologist’s recommendations for daily acne skin care.

You can read more about acne and treatment methods in the articles:

Effective ways to help teens survive acne

How to care for the skin in acne vulgaris?

In Zakrzewscy Clinic we also offer a comprehensive treatment program for rosacea and adult acne.

If you or your teen is struggling with acne symptoms, we invite you to come in for a medical consultation to get a professional diagnosis and begin treatment.

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