As a mum of a teen, I know you are only ever as happy as your saddest child. Having a teen struggle with the physical and emotional effects of acne can be hard on the whole family.
Here are the top 10 tips I share with parents to help them navigate positively through this phase.
1. Education is the key for both you and your teen: It’s important to make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to acne so that you’re able to develop treatment options together - don’t make it a ‘me against you’ struggle.
2. Be careful not to overreact: At the first sign of breakouts, be careful not to overreact and reach for harsh stripping products (that contain ingredients like Benzoyl peroxide & Salicylic acid). A lot of acne products are designed to strip the oils from the surface of the skin, which destroys the skin’s natural protective barrier. The skin then responds by sending the sebaceous (oil) glands into overdrive to compensate. This also gives acne causing bacteria a chance to takeover, leading to further breakouts and sensitivity. Instead, reach for a skincare routine that works with the skin, not against it, to clear and control breakouts - like the real-u gentle 3-Step routine.
3. Start off small: In the early teen years it can be hard to stick to a skincare routine, (especially for boys) it's better for the skin and teen to keep it as simple as possible. Initially, I suggest using the real-u Spot Treatment as and when needed to clear the occasional pimple. For more spread patches, use the CONTROL Acne Serum on the effected areas after a shower. Then if you need to, you can use the real-u 3-Step program as the next go-to option. (Start with once per day and then twice if required).
4. Acne Trigger can be internal: As we know, this is largely driven by fluctuating hormones during puberty. However, certain foods can also create breakout-triggering spike in hormones. The most common culprits are excessive sugar, dairy and fatty foods. Although dairy can be easily switched out for rice or almond milk, it’s hard to limit these kind of food for young teens. To make things easier, work together to discover which particular foods could be triggering their breakouts.
5. Be aware of treatment side effect: Pay close attention to what you are putting on your teen’s skin. Many treatments for acne, whether topical or oral medication, can come with a long list of nasty side effects, including skin sensitivity, skin peeling, dryness, sensitivity to the sun, and even depression, just to name a few. It is only now, with real-u’s scientific development, that it’s possible to clear acne without enduring the nasty side effects. Research the known side effects of certain products and don't be afraid to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist.
FACT
On average, 80% of people report having experienced varying degrees of acne during their teen years.
5 FAST TIPS
6. Make sure your teen showers after sporting activities to wash away pimple causing sweat and toxins from the skin.
7. Keep makeup to a minimum.
8. Always go bed with clean skin.
9. Change their pillow case regularly to reduce the spread of bacteria.
10. No picking, no popping!
"By catching breakouts early and treating them the right way, it can clear them up for good.” - Ebony real-u Founder
In a world obsessed with social media and consumed by the selfie, acne can be a teen’s worst nightmare. However, if you take the right steps and work with the skin instead of against it, the acne phase can be relatively painless and short lived.
