The next generation of tastemakers and leaders have a bright future ahead of them. However, the present can feel dark due to out-of-control blemishes! To clear the way for a confident future, Dundee Dermatology has the expertise and tools teenagers need. In this deep dive, we’ll share the root causes and ongoing recommendations for teenage acne treatment in Elgin.
Causes of Teenage Acne
Growing up can come with many challenges, but we believe breakouts shouldn’t be one of them! As teenagers overcome the hurdles that come with mental and physical changes, acne is an inevitable part of life for many people. To determine the best teenage acne treatment in Elgin, our team takes a look into these common causes.
Hormones
During puberty, teenagers experience significant hormonal shifts, particularly an increase in androgen and testosterone. These hormone imbalances stimulate the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate the skin and hair. However, too much sebum can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores to create a breeding ground for bacteria.
That bacteria, primarily the type Propionibacterium acnes, thrive in a sebum-rich, hormone-fueled environment. These bacteria can cause inflammation, leading to the development of acne lesions such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. In severe cases, these lesions can become inflamed and painful, forming cysts or nodules. Redness, inflammation, and raging hormones can severely affect some of the most impactful years of growth.
Learn more about how we treat hormone-related acne with this related read!
Next Up: The Building Blocks of… Acne?
Stress
So many stressors affect teenagers in these years, but a difficult exam isn’t the only test that they have to worry about! Hormonal changes, inflammation, and other factors can compound any stress and its effects on the body, resulting in harsh acne flare-ups.
These are common ways stress and acne go hand in hand to create worse breakouts..
* Hormonal Changes: When stressed, your body releases stress-related hormones like cortisol and androgens. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. More oil leads to clogged pores and increased acne breakouts.
* Inflammation: Prolonged stress can also trigger the release of inflammatory signalling proteins called cytokines. These proteins can worsen inflammation in the skin, making acne lesions more severe, painful, and noticeable.
* Delayed Healing: Daily stress can slow down the body’s natural healing process, as the body re-prioritizes cellular turnover. Without healthy cellular function, the skin doesn’t naturally rid itself of dead or damaged cells, leading to clogged pores and longer-lasting acne.
* Compromised Immune Function: Too much stress can actually weaken the immune system, which makes it harder to naturally fight off bacteria that contributes to acne. This issue can compound further as teens miss out on school or time with friends and family due to illness.
* Unhealthy Habits: Stressed teenagers sometimes resort to unhealthy habits like staying up late, eating highly processed foods, and picking at their pimples, all habits which worsen acne. Dermatologists and parents across the country agree—popping those pimples only leads to more problems!
As the most common causes of acne amongst teens, stress and hormones go hand in hand to wreak havoc on these wonderful years. For many of our youngest patients, each teenage acne treatment in Elgin requires a two-pronged approach. First, we treat the physical concerns with clinical-grade options. Second, we recommend that parents work alongside their children to limit stress and encourage healthier habits!
Treatments for the Next Generation
We curate our top treatments for teens around each individual concern. From prepping the perfect glow before prom to wiping away those whiteheads, we’re happy to provide a clearer future for everyone. At Dundee Dermatology, we blend the best of clinical expertise with technical knowledge as we build effective treatment plans. Here are a few of our most popular options for teenage acne treatment in Elgin!
HydraFacial
For one of the deepest, most effective acne treatments available, we look to HydraFacial! This 3-step treatment pairs precise extraction with customized enhancements for skin health. In under an hour, we can reduce acne worries while increasing your natural, youthful glow! This is what teens can expect from their treatment.
Step 1. Gentle Peel
To begin a HydraFacial, we cleanse the face to remove any surface-level sebum, oil, and debris. We then apply a gentle chemical peel that clears pores and removes stubborn dead skin cells or debris as it is removed. This clarifying peel provides the most flawless skin possible for the next stage.
Step 2. Deep Exfoliation
The second step of the HydraFacial utilizes a unique extraction process. With Vortex-Fusion Technology, HydraFacial’s advanced tip extracts any remaining oil or debris from deep within the skin, leaving a clear complexion to enhance.
Step 3. Balance and Protection
Finally, we apply a curated serum from over 25 options you can choose. For teenage acne treatments in Elgin, we typically recommend hydration boosters to balance oil production. As many teens choose the HydraFacial to prep for big events, we also offer serums designed to boost natural radiance for future homecoming kings and queens.
Chemical Peels
While HydraFacial is popular for severe cases of acne, chemical peels can be a great alternative! With gentle light peels or more intense medium peels, our specialists can provide a clear advantage over clogged pores and overactive oil production. To determine the right peel for the unique case of acne, we’ll conduct a thorough VISIA skin analysis.
The results from this analysis and our comprehensive consultation will help identify the correct peel based on your skin sensitivity and extent of active acne. Our practice uses AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) for light peels and TCA (trichloroacetic acid) for deeper peels.
You can feel a fresher complexion after just 1 treatment, but you may want regular follow-ups over time to win the war against acne flareups into adulthood. Light peels don’t usually require downtime, however, medium peels may give you a few days of redness and skin sloughing. With 2 powerful options to choose from, our specialists clear debris and dead cells for healthier, happier skin!
Exion
Once you find the products and teenage acne treatment in Elgin to bring clarity to your skin, you might think the battles are over. But years of acne can leave behind scars, making your victory less sweet. To clear your skin of these scars, we recommend EXION for comprehensive RF microneedling.
EXION’s microneedling applicator uses radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedles to create micro-injuries and heat the tissue of your skin. This disruption jump-starts natural collagen and elastin production, healing your skin from within and leaving fewer acne marks and an overall smoother appearance. To experience true results, patients typically need 3 or more sessions depending on the severity of the acne scars.
Full results from this treatment can last anywhere from 4 weeks to several months with the correct care! Younger skin can benefit from EXION in the long run thanks to the natural resurfacing properties of RF microneedling. However, even the best teenage acne treatment in Elgin requires at home care for maximum results.
Next-Gen Skin Care
Let’s face it, teens shouldn’t have to settle for the same skincare products their parents used growing up. That’s why Dundee Dermatology offers the most advanced formulas to elevate every generation’s at-home care routine!
Alastin
After each treatment, we recommend post-procedure enhancers from Alastin to lock in the benefits and enhance skin health for the long haul. Following a deep, rejuvenating peel, Alastin’s Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm helps soften, calm and moisturize as the skin heals. This formula also improves results between appointments, which is why we always recommend bringing this bottle home to experience the true benefits!
ZO Skincare
To clear every grade of acne at home, we look to the proven science of ZO Skin Health. The cutting edge Retinol + Acne Complex targets every stage of acne formation and any lingering aftereffects. This 360°approach not only treats current acne flare-ups, it also helps prevent future blemishes and acne scarring! Doctors trust doctors, which is why Dr. Getz highly recommends the proven formulas created by Dr. Zein Obagi’s dedicated research.
EltaMD
One of the most internationally recognized names in skincare offers one of our favorite foaming cleansers on the market! Elta MD’s Foaming Facial Cleanser promotes a healthy balance with the natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, Bromelain. This professional-grade cleanser is a great way to tame redness and oily skin. When paired with Elta MD’s legendary sunscreens, the future is clearly protected.
Clear Guidance for a Clearer Future
If you’re looking for the right teenage acne treatment in Elgin, the choice is clear. Dundee Dermatology has the essential skincare and advanced clinical options everyone deserves to enjoy a flawless complexion. To learn what’s right for you, talk with our team in an in-person consultation, or get started online with our procedure match tool!