People of all ages can suffer from acne, but the skin condition is most often associated with teenagers—and for good reason. Due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty, it’s extremely common for teens to develop some form of acne.

While some teens experience only mild acne, others suffer with severe acne for the entirety of their teenage years—sometimes into their early 20s. And even after their breakouts have subsided, they still have to figure out the best way to get rid of the acne scars.

However severe a teen’s acne condition, it’s bound to negatively impact his or her self-esteem.

According to a 2012-2015 study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, both male and female participants with acne reported significantly higher levels of depression symptoms, greater feelings of uselessness, and lower self-attitude, sense of pride, self-worth and body satisfaction, compared to peers who did not suffer from the condition. The study, titled “Effect of Acne Vulgaris on Quality of Life of Teenagers Compared to Parent Perceived Effect on Quality of Life,” was shared by Clinicaltrials.gov, a branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Fortunately, there are acne treatments for teens that have shown to positively affect their skin health.

Some of the most effective acne treatments include:

• Dietary changes
• Natural cleansers
• Acne-specific facials
• Topical creams

Because there are multiple options to consider for acne treatment, finding the right solution can prove challenging. Being proactive with one's skin health, and getting an expert opinion, is key to determing the most effective treatment.

There are so many contributing factors to acne. Although some are uncontrollable, such as family history, others can be addressed.

For example, since some research suggests a potential relationship between acne and food containing high levels of trans fat and saturated fat, eliminating these from one's diet could be beneficial. In such cases, nutritional counseling can identify exactly which foods trigger breakouts.

Since acne stems from clogged pores, it’s also important for teens to develop good skin care habits, such as daily usage of gentle, natural cleansers that don’t contain harsh chemicals. This will help avoid irritating the skin and causing more breakouts. Periodic facials specifically designed for teen acne patients also assists in keeping the skin clean and healthy.

For recommendations, it’s best to see a trusted aesthetician who can assess an individual’s acne, and determine what products and treatments would be most effective.

Are you suffering from acne? Learn about the Northport Wellness Center’s Holistic Acne Treatment and Recovery plan.