Acne is uncomfortable, unpredictable, and can knock your confidence, especially for teenagers already navigating the complexities of growing up in the world alongside their peers.
It can occur at any point in adult life but is especially common among teenagers, with over 85% of teens experiencing acne at some point in adolescence.
Acne comes in varying forms of severity, from a few pimples and occasional blackheads to persistent pus-filled pimples and painful cysts that can appear all over the body.
While acne is a normal experience for many of us, its impact on mental health and low self-esteem should not be underestimated.
If you or your teenager is currently suffering from acne, don’t worry; there are plenty of products and habits you can adopt into your skincare routine to help reduce the presence of acne and, ultimately, get rid of it for good.
What causes acne in teens?
Before you try to treat teen acne, it’s important first to understand what causes it so you can treat it from the source.
During puberty, fluctuating hormones can cause the oil glands under the skin to become overstimulated, creating an overproduction of oil in the skin barrier.
This excess oil builds up on the skin, clogging the skin pores with dead skin and bacteria that result in acne breakouts.
Acne is an issue that stems from the inside and presents on the outside. Depending on the type and severity of your acne, you may be able to manage it topically. Otherwise, you may need to target the internal cause by managing the hormones that cause it in the first place.
How to get rid of acne in teenagers
Just as acne is different for everyone, managing teen acne will be different for everyone, too.
Here are our top tips for how to get rid of teen acne and prevent acne from returning so teenagers can feel confident in themselves again and achieve clear skin in no time!
Use face washes and gentle scrubs to remove dead skin cells
All teens should develop a good skincare routine that works for them to prevent acne and keep their skin clear.
But if you’re already suffering from acne, then it’s particularly important to properly clean your face to remove excess oil and bacteria from your face.
Use a blemish control cleanser or a skin-sensitive, gentle cleanser for severe acne to unblock pores and remove dead skin every morning and night.
You can gently exfoliate your skin about once a week. Use a gentle exfoliator and avoid excessive scrubbing, as that can do more harm and make acne worse by damaging the skin layers and causing further irritation.
Wash your hands and keep them away from spots
Just as keeping your face clean is incredibly important when dealing with teen acne, as is hand hygiene.
It’s essential to avoid excessively touching your face, particularly around problem areas, as this may clog pores and trigger acne.
If you are touching your face, ensure your hands are clean to avoid introducing more unwanted bacteria to your skin that could contribute to further spots and breakouts.
While popping pimples might be tempting, it can actually worsen acne by spreading the bacteria around your face while also increasing the risk of acne scarring.
Use spot creams containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are commonly used ingredients in many over-the-counter topical treatments for acne on oily skin.
Look for an acne-specific spot treatment designed to manage oil production, unclog pores, kill bacteria, and reduce the appearance of spots.
Spot treatments containing anti-inflammatory ingredients can also be very useful in managing the appearance and symptoms of acne.
We’ve got plenty of different options available online and in-store from leading brands like CeraVe, La Roche Posay, and Citrine, all specifically designed for acne-prone, sensitive skin.
To prevent scarring and reduce the appearance of existing scars and pop marks on the face, use topical retinoids a couple of times a week.
Visit your doctor for prescription acne treatments
If over-the-counter topical treatments aren’t getting rid of your acne, then it’s time to consult your doctor to understand the cause of your acne, figure out why it is so persistent, and begin to treat it effectively.
Your doctor will assess your skin, age, lifestyle, and other factors to create a personalised treatment plan that works for you.
They may treat teenage acne with prescription medications such as topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or birth control pills to manage the hormones causing breakouts.
Find all the teenage acne treatments you need at Crowley’s Pharmacy
Everyone’s journey with acne is unique, and for some teenagers, it may take a little longer to get acne under control and ultimately get rid of it.
While it can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting when you’re struggling with it, remember that you will find a treatment that works for you and that, most importantly, you’re not alone.
Need help managing your teen acne or finding the right acne treatment for your teenager?
Explore our full range of products for skin concerns and acne treatment online, or drop into us in person in our Dunmanway pharmacy. Our helpful and friendly team is always more than happy to offer their expert advice and help you find the right products for your needs.
