Many people believe that acne is just a phase that teenagers must go through and that there’s not much you can do about it. In fact, some people think that it is best to simply let acne “run its course” since it will eventually go away on its own. However, this isn’t necessarily true.
Acne is a common skin condition that usually affects teenagers. But it is also a condition that can be effectively treated without waiting for them to “age out” of the problem.
And by treating this condition early, you may be able to prevent some of acne’s adverse long-term effects.
Here are some reasons that you might want to treat acne early.
Acne Can Affect Your Mental Health
There are plenty of studies that suggest that acne is more than just a cosmetic problem. Acne is associated with detrimental mental health effects.
For example, one study found that people with acne were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Another study found that people with acne were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who did not have the condition. Treating acne may improve your teen’s relationships and self-esteem.
Early Treatments Can Shorten Acne’s Duration
Another reason to treat acne aggressively is to lower the total number of years your teen will have the condition.
Additionally, studies find that children are now entering puberty at earlier ages. This means extra years of dealing with acne’s emotional and physical effects. By treating acne early, you will shorten the duration of the problem as well as ensure fewer breakouts during the acne-prone years.
Less Powerful Drugs Needed
Furthermore, treating acne sooner reduces the likelihood that more powerful drugs will be needed in the future. It can prevent mild acne from becoming severe.
Fewer Doctor’s Visits
And without cysts and other painful lesions, you will have fewer doctor’s visits. You will also have a better chance of avoiding the long-term side effects of stronger acne medications.
Less Scarring
Early acne treatment will decrease the total number of lesions during puberty. This means fewer opportunities to develop long-lasting scars or pigment changes. Acne scars can be a source of low self-esteem and body image issues, which may lead to social anxiety and depression.
So, getting rid of acne early can help your teen avoid the potential for developing permanent scars. Scars and pits are most likely to arise from deep, inflamed cysts. These are the red, swollen pimples that are very tender to the touch.
But, any acne lesion that is picked at or squeezed has the potential to leave a scar. This is why it’s essential to resist the urge to pop pimples and to get actual treatment.
That also will prevent dark or red spots from developing. This can happen after inflamed pimples go away and leave behind pigmented skin cells.
Treat Acne Early for a Better Outcome
These changes can linger long after the acne has gone away. Treating acne early can help to prevent these pigment changes from happening in the first place.
Finally, by treating acne early, you will get faster results than if you wait until the problem is more severe. This is because mild acne is easier to treat than moderate or severe acne. So, you will save time and frustration by starting treatment early.
To sum it up, acne is more than just a cosmetic problem. It can have serious long-term effects; the sooner it is treated, the better.
If you are struggling with acne, don’t wait for it to “run its course.” Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
