Puberty often increases oil production, which can bring blackheads and breakouts. Acne develops when hair follicles, the openings where hair grows, become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can grow inside those blocked follicles and cause inflammation and pus. Scrubbing harder is not the answer: scrubbing can irritate skin and make acne worse.12

What should the daily routine look like?

  1. 1Wash gently. For acne, wash up to twice daily and after sweating. Apply a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser with your fingertips rather than a washcloth, sponge or scrubbing tool. For dry or sensitive skin, washing just once in the evening can be enough.
  2. 2Apply moisturizer. Use a fragrance free moisturizer regularly to relieve dryness and itchiness. Keep moisturizing if you use acne treatment, because benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation.
  3. 3Use sunscreen daily. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher. When outdoors, apply it to skin not covered by clothing, seek shade and wear protective clothing. For acne, look for a sunscreen labelled "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores."
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Fewer products used consistently are better than an elaborate routine, so the bathroom shelf does not need a supporting cast. Introduce one new product at a time. If skin is sensitive, try a small amount on a limited area before applying the product to the whole face.1

What are the best skincare products for teen boys?

Choose gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturizers and sunscreen rather than products aimed at wrinkles or sun damage. A product's price or popularity does not make it better for teenage skin, even if the bottle looks ready for its own publicity tour. Fragrance free products are preferable for sensitive skin because added scents can trigger irritation or allergic reactions.1

For acne, look for gentle products labelled alcohol free and avoid irritating astringents, toners and exfoliants. Choose noncomedogenic skincare, meaning products intended not to clog pores. Cosmetic retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids aimed at adult skin concerns are not routine essentials for teens. Acne treatment is a separate issue: a dermatologist can recommend an appropriate retinoid or salicylic acid.123

What skincare helps teen boys with acne?

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are options for acne treatment applied to the skin; a pharmacist can help you choose. Acne can affect the face, chest and back, not just the area covered by a face routine. If you have body acne, wear loose, breathable clothing, especially during exercise or sweating.2

Give acne treatment several weeks to a few months to show a difference. Switching treatments too often can irritate skin and cause breakouts. Keep your hands off spots: picking or squeezing makes acne take longer to clear and increases the risk of scars and dark marks.3

If hair is oily, shampoo more often and keep it away from your face, because hair oil can contribute to forehead acne. Avoid tanning outdoors and in tanning beds. Tanning can worsen acne, and some acne medicines make skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays.3

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor for lots of spots, deep or painful lumps, scarring, or acne that affects your mental health. Hot, swollen or red skin can be signs of infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Get help if treatment is not improving acne. Prescription options include creams, gels, lotions and tablets, with the choice depending on the acne.2

If skin reacts to shop bought products, see a dermatologist rather than adding more treatments. Breakouts leaving dark marks or scars, or acne that has not improved after a few months of treatment, also need a dermatologist's attention.1

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing upaad.org
  2. 2Acnenhs.uk
  3. 3Acne: Tips for managingaad.org