What is Good for Acne Treatment for Teens?

April 1, 2024

Everyone who underwent puberty goes through a host of challenges. Some try to fit in while others struggle with schoolwork. Many teenagers also worry about their looks. Especially when acne is involved.

Acne happens when hair follicles beneath the skin get clogged. Dead skin cells and sebum start to plug the skin’s pores and cause lesions to break out. These lesions are what we call pimples. Clogged pores can also result in whiteheads and blackheads.

Skin conditions afflict around 50 million Americans every year. It begins at puberty but can happen at any stage of one’s life. Many people in their 30s and 40s still struggle with acne.

Acne often takes a toll on a person’s self-confidence. Many teenagers and young adults who have acne often experience anxiety and depression. The good news is teenagers can do something about it. There are acne treatments they can take and habits they can develop to help manage it. But what is good for acne treatment? We break down the best tips and tricks for you.

Ensure Your Face is Clean

Clean skin will go a long way in helping one manage acne. But there’s more to this than splashing water and rubbing soap on your face. There’s a proper technique and timing you have to follow.

Teens with acne should wash their face at least twice a day. You can do this once in the morning and then before going to sleep. You can also have a quick wash after gym class or whenever your face becomes sweaty. But make sure you don’t overdo it as it will make the condition worse.

It’s best to use warm water to wash your face. Then pat the skin with a clean towel. Do not rub the fabric on your face as it will irritate the skin.

Start with an OTC Treatment

There’s a good chance your acne will clear up with over-the-counter acne remedies. There are many OTC treatments you can use when you’re starting to break out. They can even do a great job of managing mild acne.

The trick is choosing the right product. The most effective OTC treatment often has the following active ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid: This is a common acne treatment. You can find this active ingredient in many face washes and astringents. It’s also found in moisturizers and lotions. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells. These cells can cause non-inflammatory acne.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: This is another acne medication that’s always recommended. It’s stronger than salicylic acid and is often used to treat severe breakouts. It dries up the dead skin cells and prevents excess sebum. It can also kill bacteria that cause acne.
• Retinoid: This is a vitamin A derivative that helps unplug clogged oil ducts. It removes dead skin cells. It can also clear out pores. This is essential to help prevent cysts and nodules from developing. Many dermatologists will prescribe this if benzoyl peroxide doesn’t work.

Consider Prescription Medication

You or your teen might need prescription meds if OTC treatments don’t work. You can visit an acne specialist for stubborn acne. But a family healthcare provider can also help manage acne. It might even be better to go down this route first.

Prescription medications for acne are often stronger. They also work faster than OTC medications. Health professionals can prescribe birth control pills and oral antibiotics for severe breakouts. Birth control pills have estrogen and progesterone. These can help reduce or control acne. Antibiotic pills can stop bacteria and reduce skin swelling. It’s not good to use antibiotic pills for long periods. It’s why this is only prescribed when needed.

Your healthcare provider could also prescribe a topical antibiotic. It's applied straight to the skin. It helps control inflammation and bacteria. This can come in cream or gel form. It could also contain benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. It can even be a retinoid like Retin-A.

Work with the Best in the Skincare Industry

  Our passion for helping people care for their skin is what sets us at Stone Surgical Arts apart. Our company provides the best dermatological care in Westlake, TX. We provide comprehensive treatment using state-of-the-art technology. We offer non-invasive solutions to rejuvenate your skin. We do filler injections and micro-needling. We also treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. You can give us a call at (817) 918-3666 or send a message here to book an appointment.