Debunking Acne Myths and Fighting the Dreaded Zit

Parents face numerous challenges as they guide their kids through their teenage years. One challenge, which is frequently not discussed, is helping teens deal with acne. Most of us experienced acne when we were growing up. And, if we are not too old or haven’t blocked out the memory, we can still remember how physically and emotionally devastating it can be to a teenager.

Kids at this age are particularly insecure and vulnerable to social pressures, so a physical malady such as acne can create deep feelings of inadequacy.

So, what are some of the best strategies you as a parent can use to help your youngster get through the acne years, with the least amount of mental and physical scars?

Experts contend that in addition to being sympathetic to the social pressure your kids are under, understanding the latest science surrounding acne is important. Make sure your kids know the facts:

 #1 –Acne has no cure.  Not with the most expensive prescription medication, and not with the best over-the-counter system. However, acne can be treated and controlled with daily maintenance therapy that includes proven acne medications.

 #2 – Acne is not caused by dirt.  No amount of scrubbing with soap and water will help clear it up.

 #3 – Acne is not caused by what you eat.  It takes weeks for a pimple to emerge—so, it has nothing to do with the chocolate or fries your child just ate.

Although acne can’t be cured, it can be controlled, and there are dozens of treatments available. One of the most important things you can do is help your child select and stick with an effective acne treatment. That means a treatment that is backed by science, not hype, a treatment that fits in your family’s budget, and that’s easy for your child to use.

When it comes to all the facts above, our clear recommendation is Proactiv®.  Today, the Proactiv three-step system is America’s number one acne treatment system, and has won numerous beauty and skincare awards.

Proactiv’s famous three-step system now includes:

A medicated Renewing Cleanser, made with exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide — featuring smaller, finer particles that quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. The cleanser also contains tiny exfoliating beads that gently remove dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells to help keep pores from clogging.

A refreshing, alcohol-free Revitalizing Toner that removes impurities and excess oil so skin looks and feels clean, soft, and refreshed—not tight and dried out.  It also includes soothing botanical agents that gently balance your skin tone.

A feather-light medicated Repairing Treatment that gets deep into clogged pores, but has a safe oil-free formula that’s gentle on the skin.

Proactiv also works hard to keep its product affordable, often offering special discounts, and the ActivMember program offers home delivery, plus guaranteed low-price protection.  Every product Proactiv sells also comes with a 60-day guarantee, so if you aren’t satisfied with the product for any reason, simply return it for a refund (less s&h).

Untreated acne can affect your child’s confidence, leave lasting physical scars, and even affect their quality of life.  But, you don’t have to accept it.  Millions of people have turned to Proactiv for help in achieving clear and even complexions, and Proactiv can probably help your family as well.

Solutions for Sensitive Skin

Sure, a rosy glow is a sign of a kick-butt workout (go you!), but if you're still sporting that flush long after you've left the locker room, you're probably among the 60 percent of people in the United States who say they have sensitive skin -- a number that's doubled during the past 30 years, according to Jessica Wu, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. Why the increase? Derms suspect that one of the main reasons is product misuse. "Women are choosing the wrong products for their skin," says Howard Sobel, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. That can lead to inflammation, the root of all redness. If you don't treat it, the condition may affect your complexion, making it more vulnerable to wrinkle-inducing damage, Dr. Sobel says. But now, help is on the way! We identified the five most common sensitive-skin complaints and asked top docs to share their best soothing secrets.

Treat Flaky Skin
-----------------------------
If you're experiencing scaliness, your skin is sending you an SOS: "It's so inflamed that the cells are lifting, which results in peeling," says Debra Luftman, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. The probable cause is an irritant in one of your products or an allergic reaction to an ingredient.

Calm the culprits
-----------------------------
Treat inflammation with a 2.5 percent hydrocortisone cream and stop using scrubs, retinoids, and alpha hydroxyl acids. Also, fortify your skin with a moisturizer that contains niacin, like StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin ($79, strivectin.com). You should see a difference in just three days, notes Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami.

Fight future flare-ups
-----------------------------
If it's an allergic reaction, which is characterized by a swollen rash, go to your derm, who can ID the allergen with a patch test. (Preservatives and fragrances are two biggies.) Choose products that are labeled "fragrance-free" and avoid those with a laundry list of ingredients. "Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances to react to something," says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. Reconsider your cleanser, too. Foaming washes can strip away protective oils. Opt for a milky formula and make sure alcohol isn't one of the first ingredients. We like Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($10, burtsbees.com).
Next: Soothe Stinging Skin
 -----------------------------
Sure, a rosy glow is a sign of a kick-butt workout (go you!), but if you're still sporting that flush long after you've left the locker room, you're probably among the 60 percent of people in the United States who say they have sensitive skin -- a number that's doubled during the past 30 years, according to Jessica Wu, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. Why the increase? Derms suspect that one of the main reasons is product misuse. "Women are choosing the wrong products for their skin," says Howard Sobel, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. That can lead to inflammation, the root of all redness. If you don't treat it, the condition may affect your complexion, making it more vulnerable to wrinkle-inducing damage, Dr. Sobel says. But now, help is on the way! We identified the five most common sensitive-skin complaints and asked top docs to share their best soothing secrets.

Treat Flaky Skin
-----------------------------
If you're experiencing scaliness, your skin is sending you an SOS: "It's so inflamed that the cells are lifting, which results in peeling," says Debra Luftman, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. The probable cause is an irritant in one of your products or an allergic reaction to an ingredient.

Calm the culprits
-----------------------------
Treat inflammation with a 2.5 percent hydrocortisone cream and stop using scrubs, retinoids, and alpha hydroxyl acids. Also, fortify your skin with a moisturizer that contains niacin, like StriVectin-SD for Sensitive Skin ($79, strivectin.com). You should see a difference in just three days, notes Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami.

Fight future flare-ups
-----------------------------
If it's an allergic reaction, which is characterized by a swollen rash, go to your derm, who can ID the allergen with a patch test. (Preservatives and fragrances are two biggies.) Choose products that are labeled "fragrance-free" and avoid those with a laundry list of ingredients. "Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances to react to something," says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey. Reconsider your cleanser, too. Foaming washes can strip away protective oils. Opt for a milky formula and make sure alcohol isn't one of the first ingredients. We like Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($10, burtsbees.com).
What do you think of this story?  Leave a Comment.