A lot of parents assume that bad skin is just an inevitable fact of life—something all adolescents go through sooner or later. While it's true that millions of young people suffer from acne breakouts, it doesn't make it any easier on them. Or their parents. This is your baby, after all.
Let's be honest, bad skin can be tough on your teen's self-esteem, and it can put a major strain on your relationship. Of course you want to help, but you also want to respect your son's or daughter's privacy and their right to make their own decisions.
The great thing is, you can make a significant difference in your teen's life simply by offering a little advice and support. All you need are some facts at your disposal.
If you've got to blame anything, start by blaming biology. Relationship dramas and those dirty gym clothes aren't actually the cause of breakouts. Fact is, acne is a medical condition caused by the hormonal changes going on in a teen's body. And surely you know a little something about what hormones can do to a teen by now.
The good news: because acne is a medical condition, it can be treated effectively with a medical solution. So helping your teen may be as simple as visiting your family doctor, pediatrician or dermatologist and seeing if a treatment like Epiduo® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel 0.1%/2.5% in an easy-to-use pump is right for your teen.
But the first step? Not medical at all. Just start with an open, honest conversation with your teen about breakouts. We can help with that part.
