Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting both teenagers and adults, but its causes, treatment, and impact on self-esteem can vary significantly across age groups. Teenage acne, typically linked to hormonal changes during puberty, often presents differently than adult acne, which can sometimes stem from stress, lifestyle factors, or long-term skin issues. Whether you’re a teen struggling with acne or an adult looking to help a teenager, it’s essential to understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to managing this common skin concern through at-home care & treatments.
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What Causes Teenage Acne?
Teenage acne is mainly driven by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, which cause an increase in sebum (skin oil) production. These oils, mixed with dead skin cells, can clog pores and create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to breakouts. This form of acne typically shows up on the face, chest, and back, and may present as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and cysts.
Genetics, diet, stress, and the overuse of certain skincare ingredients can exacerbate acne in teens. While the condition often peaks during the early teenage years, it can persist into the late teens and early twenties.
So let’s get into the Yes’s & No’s for teenage acne…
YES #1: Prevention
Teenage acne is often more than just a temporary annoyance—it can impact confidence and self-esteem during a time when so much is changing. That’s why prevention through a balanced approach of homecare products, professional treatments, and even laser hair removal is essential. Starting early not only helps keep acne in check, but it can prevent it from becoming a bigger issue in the future.
Yes to Homecare: Using gentle cleansers, targeted treatments, and non-comedogenic moisturizers helps control oil, prevent clogged pores, and reduce inflammation, keeping acne at bay before it starts. We’ll get into it more at Yes #2.
Yes to Professional Treatments: Even with the best homecare routine, acne can still be stubborn during the teenage years. Professional treatments, like facials or chemical peels, dive deeper into your skin to clear blocked pores, remove dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. By targeting acne at a deeper level, these treatments accelerate healing and can reduce the frequency of breakouts, ultimately preventing more severe scarring. Plus, regular treatments allow your skin to heal more efficiently, keeping it balanced as hormones fluctuate.
3 sessions of Refine's Signature Teen Program
Yes to Laser Hair Removal: For teens dealing with unwanted facial or body hair, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution that can minimize the chances of breakouts caused by hair follicles. Hair traps oil and bacteria, often leading to clogged pores, which can result in acne. By reducing hair growth in problem areas, laser hair removal prevents this cycle, keeping skin smooth and clear while minimizing bacteria from spreading. It’s not just about the appearance of hair—it’s about helping your skin breathe and stay healthier.
For inquiries of Laser Hair Removal, feel free to contact us through email or phone.
By combining these approaches, you can keep acne under control, promote clearer skin, and boost your confidence—stopping acne before it becomes a bigger issue.
NO #1: Harsh Scrubbing or Picking at Acne
Teenagers are often tempted to pick or squeeze pimples, but doing so can lead to more inflammation, scarring, and the potential spread of bacteria. Acne can be driven deeper into the skin, making it more stubborn, leave deeper post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation & cause more acne to spread. Scrubbing the skin too aggressively can also irritate the acne, making it worse.
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YES #2: Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine
For teenagers struggling with acne, maintaining a consistent skincare routine is one of the most effective ways to manage breakouts. Teen skin is more sensitive and prone to breakouts due to fluctuating hormones, so using the right products at home is the first line of defense. Gentle cleansers, exfoliants with salicylic acid, and non-comedogenic moisturizers help keep your skin clear by reducing excess oil and preventing clogged pores—the root cause of acne. Prevention through these daily products ensures that breakouts are kept at bay, and skin remains healthy without harsh treatments or scarring. This includes:
Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) cleanser twice daily. Harsh scrubbing or overly drying cleansers can irritate the skin and potentially worsen acne.
Exfoliating: Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid) instead of abrasive scrubs. These exfoliants help remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
Moisturizing: Even oily skin needs moisture. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without clogging pores.
Control Sebum & Cell Turnover: For excess sebum production & excess dead skin buildup, incorporating Vitamin A helps alleviate the extra greasiness. These ingredients help reduce acne bacteria and unclog pores.
NO #2: Overusing Strong Acne Treatments
It’s tempting to apply acne treatments frequently, hoping for quicker results, but overuse of products like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause the skin to become overly dry and irritated. Instead, use these treatments as directed, usually once or twice a day, and pair them with a good moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness.
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YES #3: Be Gentle With Your Skin
Teenagers often feel the urge to scrub acne-prone skin harshly or pick at blemishes. However, aggressive scrubbing or squeezing pimples can lead to scarring, further inflammation, and the spread of bacteria. It’s best to keep the skin clean but avoid over-exfoliating or touching the face excessively.
NO #3 Using Harsh Skin Care Products
Teens with acne-prone skin should avoid products containing alcohol or fragrances, which can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Harsh soaps or exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to more oil production and potentially more breakouts.
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YES #4: Manage Stress and Sleep Well
Stress can exacerbate acne in teens. Adolescents often experience stress from school, relationships, or social pressures, which can lead to flare-ups. Encouraging teens to practice relaxation techniques—such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical activity—can help lower stress levels.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Sleep is essential for skin repair and overall health, so ensuring your teen gets adequate rest can have a positive impact on their skin.
NO #4: Using Dirty Pillowcases and Phones
Teenagers who struggle with acne should be mindful of potential sources of bacteria, such as pillowcases, phone screens, and hands. Changing pillowcases regularly and wiping down phone screens with antibacterial wipes can help reduce the transfer of bacteria to the skin.
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YES #5: Treating your scalp
Managing scalp health and buildup is crucial for teenage acne, especially since the scalp and face are connected areas with similar oil production. When hair products, oils, and dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp, they can clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation and breakouts along the hairline or forehead—areas often affected by acne. Regularly cleansing the scalp and using the right products, including exfoliators & hydrating care can prevent buildup, reduce excess oil, and promote a healthier scalp, ultimately helping to minimize the risk of acne and maintain clear skin. Keeping both the scalp and face clean supports overall skin health, ensuring fewer breakouts and better clarity. Scalp treatments, weekly to biweekly are also ideal to efficiently remove buildup quickly which prevents inflammation & oil from getting worse, which can then be maintained as monthly treatments.
NO #5: Irregular Hygiene Maintenance
While overcleansing can create an environment for drier & stripped skin barrier, the appropriate amount of showering for the body, face & scalp should be done regularly. As sebum oils increase heavily due to hormonal fluctuations in the teen years, the extra sebum buildup should be removed & controlled with regular hygiene to prevent bacteria from accumulating. In the end, through regular, consistent care, that is how you can target teenage acne effectively.
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How Teenage Acne Differs from Adult Acne
Teenage acne and adult acne share some similarities, but they often arise for different reasons. In teenagers, acne is largely driven by hormonal changes during puberty, leading to an overproduction of oil and clogged pores. This form of acne is typically more inflammatory and tends to affect areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, like the face, back, and chest.
Adult acne, on the other hand, can be influenced by factors such as stress, diet, hormonal fluctuations (especially in women), and lifestyle choices. For many adults, acne can persist into their late twenties and even thirties. Adult acne is more likely to appear around the jawline and chin, and is often less severe but may be more persistent. Additionally, adult acne can sometimes be associated with underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Conclusion
Teenage acne can be a frustrating and often embarrassing experience, but it’s important to approach treatment with patience and consistency. Focusing on a good skincare routine, using the right products, and managing stress can significantly improve acne symptoms. However, avoiding common mistakes like overuse of harsh treatments or picking at the skin is just as important. With the right care, many teens can achieve clearer skin and boost their confidence as they navigate through this challenging phase.
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, consulting with a dermatologist/aeshtetician can provide more targeted solutions for stubborn acne. In the end, understanding the unique characteristics of teenage acne—and how it differs from adult acne—will empower both teens and adults to take proactive steps toward healthier skin.
2 week difference after 1 session of Refine's Signature Teen Acne Program + custom at-home aftercare
3x session of Refine's Signature Teen Acne Program + 1 RF Microneedling
A series of Refine's Signature Teen Acne Program + 1 RF Microneedling
‘Til next time, I’ll be in the treatment room!
Vivian Wong