GRADUATING TO CLEARER SKIN

As kids head back to school, breakouts can often steal the spotlight. While they might seem as common as backpacks, they don’t have to be. Midwest Dermatology is here to help with a simple, four-step plan to guide teens through the school year with clearer, acne-free skin.

STEP ONE: GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN

Understanding your skin is the first step. Start with a visit to Midwest Dermatology, where our board-certified dermatologists will help you figure out what makes your skin unique. Here’s what we’ll explore:

• Is your skin oily or dry?
• Is it sensitive to things like the sun, certain products, or even hot showers?
• Are your breakouts linked to hormones or stress?
• What does your current skincare routine look like?

With this information, your dermatologist will create a personalized treatment plan designed just for you.

STEP TWO: UNPACKING THE SCIENCE BEHIND ACNE

Knowing what causes acne makes it easier to tackle. Acne isn’t just a bunch of random pimples popping up at the worst times. It’s the result of hair follicles getting clogged by oil (called sebum) and dead skin cells. During the teen years, your body produces more sebum, which can mix with skin cells and block your pores. Sometimes, bacteria called *P. acnes* can get involved, leading to breakouts. Different combinations of these factors lead to different types of acne.

STEP THREE: BUILDING A SKINCARE ROUTINE

Clear skin isn’t achieved overnight, and it’s not about finding a quick fix. It’s all about consistency. Your dermatologist might recommend:

• Topicals: Over the counter or prescription treatments like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene and tretinoin to help reduce oil and prevent clogged pores.
• Gly/Sal Pads: Gentle exfoliating pads to keep your skin smooth.
• Antibiotics: Prescription medications to fight bacteria.
• Spironolactone: For managing hormonal acne.
• Accutane: A powerful option for severe acne, targeting it from within.

STEP FOUR: BUSTING ACNE MYTHS

It’s just as important to know what *doesn’t* cause acne as it is to know what does. For example, while some studies hint at a connection between high-glycemic foods and acne, there’s no proof that cutting out certain foods will clear your skin. And forget about tanning beds—they won’t cure acne and can even make it worse by increasing oil production. Plus, they come with serious risks like skin cancer.

One thing that’s definitely true? Keeping your skin clean helps. Wash your face daily, and shower after sweating to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. But don’t scrub too hard—gentle care is key. And if possible, try to manage stress, which can contribute to breakouts.

Follow these four steps, and you’ll be well on your way to clearer skin.

Ready to help your teen achieve acne-free skin this school year?  Call Midwest Dermatology at (402) 933-0800 or visit midwestderm.com to book an appointment. Plus, check out the cleanser recommended by our dermatologists for acne-prone skin here.