For Parents

As a parent, maybe it’s been a while since you experienced a breakout — but if your teen is dealing with acne, chances are you can relate. That’s because some studies show acne may run in families.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects between 40 million and 50 million Americans. Each year, about 85% of U.S. teens experience acne.

So what’s a parent to do? There is no quick fix for acne, but there are treatment options that can help. Here’s where you can start:

• Learn about acne – get an understanding of how acne develops, and its contributing factors
• Talk about acne – start a conversation with your teen about acne and suggest he or she try an over-the-counter acne treatment
• Set expectations - communicate that there’s no overnight cure for acne and that it may take time to see results with consistent treatment
• Instill good habits – reinforce that a good skin-care routine can help manage acne. Offer ideas on how to combine acne treatment with other daily routines, like brushing their teeth.
• Make an appointment – If over-the-counter acne treatments don’t control your child’s acne, make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist, who can recommend the best products to manage your teen’s acne