The teenage years are wondrous days filled with new discoveries, fun and friends. For a number of kids, these years are also filled with acne. In addition to causing painful whiteheads, blackheads and red lumps, acne can leave scars and affect teenage self-esteem during those critical adolescent years.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, between 85% - 95% of American teenagers develop acne, and many of them will continue to battle the condition into their 20s and 30s.

A number of factors such as diet, personal hygiene, genetics, and hormones seem to play into the incidence of teenage acne. During puberty, hormone levels surge, often causing a hardening of the oil in the pores of the skin, preventing sebum from naturally making its way to the surface.

While almost all teenagers experience a few zits, the severity of the problem depends on hereditary factors. Over time, untreated acne can even leave permanent scarring, not to mention the emotional distress the teenager has to endure.

Sometimes parents may ignore the problem assuming their teenager will grow out of it. Others turn to the large number of topical acne ointments, available over the counter in most pharmacies. You should be aware that not all these preparations are suited to your teenager's skin. Often the medication is too strong and causes the affected skin to peel and dry out. Nor do topical treatments address the real underlying problems of diet and lifestyle.

What should you do?
Good skin is an investment that requires time, patience, cooperation and a strict skincare regimen.

Your teenager needs to follow a skincare routine at home including a facial once a month to remove pore blockage under the guidance of a qualified skin specialist or a licensed esthetician regarding problem skin. These specialists can examine your teenager and recommend changes in diet and lifestyle based on their individual skin type. They will prescribe a regular skincare regimen designed for your teenager's skin type and teach your teenager the correct method to care for their skin.

Along with good nutrition and healthy lifestyle, regular skin treatments during adolescence can make a world of difference in a teenager's complexion. Parents need to address the condition early, and make sure their teens follow proper skin care routines at home. A diligently followed routine, along with regular acne facials, for many of these teenagers can mean the difference between smooth glowing skin and permanent scarring.