If you’ve never had teen acne it might be easy to underestimate how hard it is to cope with breakouts, scarring, social phobias and insecurity.

Most adults realize that their teen will eventually outgrow their skin problems, but the child might feel that teen acne is there for eternity.  

As we age and hormone levels stabilize, acne might clear and eventually become a distant memory. 

In some cases acne breakouts might continue into adulthood, but for stubborn acne, I know most parents are hoping for a resolution as time goes by (I know I was).  

The best thing you can do for  teens with acne is to listen carefully and give them plenty of respect.  Above all parents must take their teens seriously when they share feelings, thoughts, fears and worries about their skin problems. 

Remember not to trivialize how they feel or make them feel they are wrong to feel the way they do.

Here are some things parents need to remember when they talk to their teens:  

 

Boost Self Esteem

Make your child feel special despite his acne.  Remind your child that he or she has many talents, skills and abilities and that acne does not define his/her character. 

It is possible that your teen might have little success with acne treatments since some cases are known to be very stubborn. 

If this is the case, make sure that he or she knows that life can continue despite stubborn acne breakouts and possible scarring.   

We are not our illnesses-make sure your child knows that.  It is especially important to help your teen cope with social situations which can be difficult.

 Single out positive attributes and talk about them. Praise the fact that your teen is smart, creative, sporty, funny and make sure that these things become his/her focus too. 

Skin does matter, it helps us feel good about ourselves, but if good skin is not there for us right then, it doesn’t make use worthless since we have so many other talents, skills and good character traits.

Be Supportive  

Make sure your teen has acne medication and if the problem is severe take him to a doctor or dermatologist.  Make sure you allow him/her to try new products but make sure they are safe first. 

Make sure reading material is available and suggest online and real time support groups.  Be sure to be available.  Ask questions! 

If your child reveals something that helps him to cope, encourage him to pursue it-even if it means a trip to the mall!

Relate To Them

Teens with acne can feel very isolated and insecure.  Having bad skin sometimes means that they are not as popular as other kids and this can be especially hard when the time comes to start dipping their toes into the tumultuous water that is the dating game. 

Think back to when you were young.  Whether you had acne or not is unimportant.  The main thing to do is remember that all young people feel awkward and uncomfortable at times. 

The teen years are very body conscious for everybody, not just teens with acne.   Make sure to relate stories from your own youth.  Make sure that acne breakouts are not seen as the worst thing that could happen but at the same time, help your teen to understand that it’s normal to feel uncomfortable or a bit self-conscious if acne suddenly appears.    

Of course teens can be shy and feel embarrassed more easily that we would-this is all a part of growing up.  Make sure your teen has plenty to feel good about!

This will ensure that he or she doesn’t allow acne to destroy a great personality and a GREAT life!