Dr. Ravits of Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology answers Macaroni Kid readers' questions about skin, hair and nail conditions for kids and adults. Here is the second of our Ask the Experts series.
Q. "Do you have any tips on how to keep my teen's face from breaking out?"
A. Acne is common in the teenage years and there are a number of ways to help keep your teen's skin looking healthy.
It is important to encourage your teen to wash her face every night with an alcohol-free, gentle cleanser or fragrance-free soap plus lukewarm water to rinse away dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, and dead skin cells so that they don't clog her pores as she sleeps. Also, she should wash her face after playing sports or working out to wipe away sweat.
In this high tech age, she should wipe down her cell phone or mobile device regularly to get rid of accumulated grime and bacteria and prevent breakouts.
If she has sensitive skin, use a fragrance-free cleanser and avoid physical scrubs or harsh exfoliants which can irritate the skin. If your teen wears makeup or other beauty products, she should select products that are oil-free (non-comedogenic). Wash pillowcases at least once a week especially if she wears hair products or makeup to avoid transferring them onto her face while she sleeps.
If she has sensitive skin, use a fragrance-free cleanser and avoid physical scrubs or harsh exfoliants which can irritate the skin. If your teen wears makeup or other beauty products, she should select products that are oil-free (non-comedogenic). Wash pillowcases at least once a week especially if she wears hair products or makeup to avoid transferring them onto her face while she sleeps.
Acne treatment:
If a pimple appears on your teen's face, tell her not to pick at it or squeeze it because that can cause damage to the skin and possible facial scarring. It is best to seek treatment for acne from a board-certified dermatologist at the earliest stages when it can be easily treated. A dermatologist can examine her skin and create a customized treatment plan for her skin and her lifestyle such as prescribing an antibiotic lotion or retinoid (which are more potent than the low dose, over-the-counter acne treatments). In more severe cases, a dermatologist might prescribe various oral medications.
About Dr. Margaret Ravits
Dr. Ravits is a caring, board-certified dermatologist who has many years of experience treating patients. She and her wonderful team of board-certified dermatologists offer high quality, comprehensive treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions for the whole family (babies, children, teens, adults) in their River Edge and Hackensack offices. Along with her private practice, Dr. Ravits is a Senior Attending at Hackensack University Medical Center where she previously served 22 years as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital where she was voted Teacher of the Year four times by the dermatology residents.
Got questions for Dr. Ravits? Submit them anonymously HERE and we will post the answers in an upcoming Macaroni Kid newsletter.
Disclosure: Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen.
