How To Get Rid Of Acne As A Teenager With Dermatologist Elizabeth Stratte

Welcome to Derm Day, a regular column where we talk with the best dermatologists in the acne biz about all things breakouts - the good (but wait, is there anything good?), the bad and the ugly. 

Today’s installment features Dr. Elizabeth Stratte, MD, who is educating us on how to the woes of tackle teenage acne. 

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What causes teenage acne?

Acne occurs when your skin's pores become clogged. When you start producing lots of oil, dead skin cells stick together inside pores instead of being shed like normally. Once they are trapped inside that pore, the pimple forms. From there, bacteria gets trapped in the clogged pore, then multiplies and grows, which makes the pimple red & swollen.

What are the different ways you treat teenage acne?

For mild acne, there are topical treatments that can help kill the bacteria or work on reducing the oil. The topical medicine may contain a retinoid, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic, or even salicylic acid (which is in both Peace Out Acne Dots and Peace Out Acne Serum).

If you have red, swollen pimples, you may need medicine that works throughout the body like:
•  Antibiotics help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation
•  Birth control pills and other medicine that works on hormones (can be helpful for women)
•  Isotretinoin

What recommendations do you give to patients to prevent acne?

•  Wash twice a day and after sweating, exercising or wearing a hat.
•  Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.
•  Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
•  Rinse with lukewarm water
•  Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, it is okay to shampoo daily.
•  Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and increase your chance of scarring.
•  Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
•  Be sure to wash your skin after meals which contain greasy foods such as pizza or burgers.

Interested in visiting Dr. Stratte IRL? Check out www.renewskinsolutions.com. 

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About The Expert: 

Dr. Elizabeth Stratte is a dermatologist specializing in adult cosmetic skincare and dermatology for children and teens. Dr. Stratte has completed full specialty training in both dermatology and pediatrics and is pleased to have been practicing for over 20 years.

To learn more about Peace Out Skincare stressed skin products and how you can take better care of your skin, check out some of our other great blogs, including “The Difference Between Peace Out Pores & Traditional Pore Strips”, “Maskne Skincare Essentials”, & “5 Common Types of Pimples & How To Treat Them”