W
armer weather means rising temperatures, increased sun expo- sure and a greater visibility of teen skin problems such as acne and infections. Your teens may feel a sense of urgency to improve their skin for upcoming summer activities and events. The information that follows may help you and your teens manage their skin challenges during the summer season.
ACNE
Up to 80 percent of adolescents experi- ence acne, the most common skin condition in the U.S. As temperatures increase, teens with acne experience skin transformations. Some may feel that sun exposure dries up their acne, thus making it less visible. Unfortunately, the oil-producing (sebaceous) glands respond in kind by producing more oil to compensate for any dryness. Also, sweat-producing (eccrine) glands are activated more during summer, due to an increase in temperature and activity. This in turn enhances oil production and allows bacteria to thrive within oily skin layers. Since acne is an oil-based skin condition, removing layers of sweat and oil by cleansing twice a day is important. Use a non-medicated, gentle cleanser as soon as sweat-producing activity has ended. Astringents, toners and exfoliating agents may be too harsh for many teens with acne. Using medicines that comple- ment your skin type will assist acne fl are- ups while preventing harsh side effects. Some medications used to treat acne may promote increased sun sensitivity and may require the daily use of oil-free sun- screen. A referral to a dermatology clinic for more effective acne management
Ready, Set, Grow
may benefi t those who are self-conscious about their acne, are not improving with over-the-counter (OTC) medications or who have scarring. Medications given by a dermatologist or primary care provider may be tailored to better control acne while meeting seasonal challenges with greater ease and satisfaction.
SUN SAFETY
The risk of sun damage is very real for teens trying to clear up their acne by “catching some rays.” Melanoma is now the number-one cancer in the 25-to-29 age-group, and the second most common type of cancer in those ages 15 to 29. One in fi ve Americans will have skin cancer diagnosed during their lifetime. Prevention and protection are key. For acne-prone skin, an oil-free sunscreen is best. For all other skin, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is optimal to protect from both UVA and UVB harmful rays.
The American Academy of Dermatol- ogy suggests at least SPF 15 to prevent sun damage, with reapplication every two hours. If you miss the reapplication win- dow, the risk of damage will be lessened if you use a higher SPF initially. Also, wa- ter-resistant formulas are the best choice notwithstanding the need to reapply when swimming. In 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration set forth new guide- lines removing the unwarranted labeling of waterproof on any sunscreen.
INFECTION RISK AND PREVENTION
An increase in outdoor activities during the summer makes athletes especially prone to skin infections of the viral, fungal and bacterial nature. Skin-to-skin contact
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