If you’re a teen (or parenting one), acne can feel like a daily battle.
Acne is often driven by hormones. During puberty, your body ramps up production of androgens (a type of hormone), which causes your skin’s oil glands to go into overdrive.
“That extra oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores,” explains Howard Pride, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Carilion Clinic. “Once pores are clogged, bacteria can grow, leading to breakouts.”
Breakouts usually happen on the face, but they can also show up on other parts of your body like the chest and back.
What makes acne worse?
A few common triggers can cause breakouts or make them worse:
- Hormonal changes, especially around periods
- Stress
- Heavy or pore-clogging skincare and makeup (looking at you, beef tallow trend)
- Touching or picking at skin
- Certain hair products like oils and conditioners
Diet can also play a role for some people.
Simple ways to keep your skin clear
You can’t always prevent acne, but these habits can help:
- Wash your face, but don’t overdo it: A gentle face cleanser twice a day is enough. Use lukewarm water and be sure not to scrub too hard (this can irritate your skin).
- Use the right products: Look for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” on labels. That means they won’t clog your pores.
- Hands off: Picking at pimples is satisfying, but it can also make them worse and lead to scars.
- Shower after sweating: Sweat can clog pores, especially after playing sports or working out.
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean your pillowcase, phone, makeup brushes, and anything else that touches your face. This helps remove bacteria and oils that can contribute to breakouts.
Over-the-counter acne treatments
You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine to clear your skin. Keep it simple with no more than 4 products (including face wash and moisturizer) and stay consistent.
“Many teens can manage acne with drugstore products,” says Dr. Pride. He suggests looking for products with active ingredients like:
- Benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria
- Salicylic acid to help unclog pores and reduce oil
- Adapalene (like Differin) to speed up skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
These ingredients come in several forms, like toners, gels, and lotions. Pick whichever form you’re most likely to use consistently. When using a new product, be sure to:
- Start slowly: Using too many new products at once can irritate your skin.
- Give it time: Most treatments take several weeks to start working. Don’t give up too quickly.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes acne needs more than over-the-counter care. Consider seeing a doctor if:
- Acne is severe, painful, or leaving scars
- Breakouts aren’t improving after a few months of treatment
- Acne is affecting confidence or mental health
They may prescribe stronger treatments like topical medicines, antibiotics, or isotretinoin (Accutane) in severe cases.
If you’re struggling with acne, reach out to your pediatrician or primary care doctor. They can help figure out the best way to treat your acne or refer you to a dermatologist.
