Millions of people worldwide will experience acne at one point or another. A vast majority will encounter their first breakout during the teenage years--a period already made difficult by big changes in their bodies, relationships, and personalities.
Parents often watch their kids deal with this tumultuous life stage feeling helpless as their attempts to advice and support them are met with resistance. As with all teenage problems, acne poses the same conundrum.
Here are some tips that parents can use to help their adolescent kids work through acne.
Get educated.
There are many misconceptions about acne that parents may inadvertently hold on to. When this flawed knowledge gets transferred to another generation, it can lead to exacerbation of acne and its social and psychological consequences.
For example, there is a long held belief that acne is caused by having a “dirty” face. This leads people to think that intense scrubbing with harsh, astringent products is the solution to pimples, when studies say it does the opposite. It may also lead to self-hatred, as the adolescent brands himself as unhygienic, unsanitary, and disgusting.
As such, parents should have at least a basic grasp of what acne is, the complex factors that influence it, and the established ways of managing it. Dermatological associations often have online resources about acne that make for an easy read, even for the busiest parent. This way, you can be sure that the advice you give your kid will most likely improve the condition rather than worsen it.
Treat acne as a serious problem and show it.
The worst thing you can do as a parent is to dismiss your kid’s problem offhand. Acne may not be a life-threatening disease, but numerous studies have shown it has serious consequences on a person’s psychological and emotional wellbeing. Take it seriously, especially if you notice signs that your teenager is getting bothered by it.
It can be tricky to approach an adolescent about noticing changes in their appearance. But the important thing is to let them know that you are there to support them. Armed with your knowledge about the nature and updated treatments for acne (see Tip #1), you can discuss trying topical medications approved by dermatologists. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are some over-the-counter medications that are deemed safe for teenagers with mild to moderate acne. If your kid is suffering from moderate to severe acne, offer to take them to a dermatologist for more specialized help.
Just as important as targeting the physical causes of acne is acknowledging the emotional toll it takes. Keep an eye out for signs of depression. Help as much as you can, but keep the option of visiting a therapist open.
Allow a one-on-one with a dermatologist.
When the case becomes severe, whether in terms of acne or its psychological impact, a visit to the dermatologist is the best recourse. Ideally, the dermatologist you choose should have previous experience in dealing with adolescent acne patients. A doctor’s bedside manner can greatly influence how compliant the patient is with the regimen.
When you do offer to take your teenage child to the dermatologist, make sure to let them know that they have the option to talk to the doctor alone if they want to. Many teenagers would prefer this set-up, although few have the courage to ask.
There are many reasons why a one-on-one session is beneficial. Teenagers may not be comfortable talking about hormonal changes and psychological stress in front of their parents, but this may be important for the dermatologist to know. Speaking to a professional in the absence of a guardian also helps give them a sense of ownership over the problem. They receive the medical advice directly, so it is more likely that they will take the reins in pushing through with it.
However, parents of minors are usually made aware of the potential side effects of prescription anti-acne drugs. Allowing them time to meet alone, and joining the session later when the doctor deems it necessary, is a good compromise.
Do not nag.
It may be tempting to issue continual reminders about using the right products or following the doctor’s regimen but studies show that parental nagging negatively impacts adolescent compliance to acne therapy. While parents always have their kids’ best interests at heart, letting them take charge is one way of saying that you trust them. Other than that, giving them the responsibility to follow through on their regimen is one way of teaching accountability to your teen.
Instead of reminding them time and again to do this and to do that, change tactics and casually mention that the next appointment with the dermatologist is drawing closer. Patients of all ages are more likely to follow the routine if they know they’ll be seeing the doctor soon.
Conclusion
Acne is a sensitive issue rife with feelings of shame, embarrassment, and the fear of being judged. It can be especially difficult to watch your beloved kid go through all these emotions. The initial instinct is to hold their hand throughout the ordeal, but parents would do best to maintain a balance between helping their kids and giving them the chance to help themselves.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Resources:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-teenage-five-ways-to-help
https://www.verywellhealth.com/keep-teen-acne-to-a-minimum-15930
Dunn, L. K, O'Neill, J. L, & Feldman, S. R. (2011). Acne in Adolescents: Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, Mood and Psychological Disorders. Dermatology Online Journal, 17(1). Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4hp8n68p
Heng, A.H.S., Chew, F.T. Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Sci Rep 10, 5754 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62715-3
Revol, O., Milliez, N., & Gerard, D. (2015). Psychological impact of acne on 21st-century adolescents: decoding for better care. The British journal of dermatology, 172 Suppl 1, 52–58. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13749
