Why do teens get acne?
During puberty, hormone changes make oil glands larger and increase sebum, the oil that helps keep skin from drying out. Oil and dead skin cells can plug hair follicles, the small openings that contain hairs. Bacteria inside plugged follicles contribute to inflammation, meaning swelling, redness, heat and pain. Acne commonly affects the face, back, chest and shoulders. Whiteheads are plugged follicles that stay closed beneath the surface. Blackheads are open plugs whose oil darkens when exposed to air, not dirt that needs scrubbing out. Small inflamed bumps can be tender, while some pimples contain white or yellow pus. Large, painful lumps deeper in the skin need a different level of care from surface blemishes. Acne is most common in teens and young adults, but it can continue into adulthood. Having parents who had acne can also increase the likelihood of developing it.3
What should the daily routine look like?
- 1Wash gently. Use a mild cleanser with your fingertips, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Wash morning and evening and after sweating. For dry or sensitive skin, washing only in the evening can be sufficient.
- 2Apply acne treatment as directed. For a treatment left on the skin, spread a thin layer across the areas that regularly break out rather than treating only visible spots. Follow the product's instructions for frequency.
- 3Moisturize. Choose a lightweight, fragrance free moisturizer. Apply it after washing, especially if treatment leaves skin dry. Moisturizing helps relieve dryness and itchiness; drying out acne prone skin can increase irritation.
- 4Finish the morning routine with sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum protection, which covers UVA and UVB rays, with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Wear it daily.
Introduce one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, try a small amount on a limited area before applying it across the face.1
Which acne treatment should a teen use?
Benzoyl peroxide is a commonly used acne medicine that reduces bacteria and helps with spots, blackheads and whiteheads. Most people aged 12 or older can use it. Start with the lowest available strength to check tolerance. Salicylic acid is another acne ingredient found in cleansers, toners, spot treatments and medicated pads. Both can cause dryness and irritation, so retain the moisturizer rather than replacing it with more treatment. Ask a dermatologist whether salicylic acid or an acne retinoid is appropriate, particularly for younger teens or sensitive skin. A retinoid prescribed for acne is different from buying cosmetic retinol for wrinkle care. If you already use a prescription acne treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist before adding benzoyl peroxide or another acne medicine.14
How do you apply benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide usually goes on once or twice daily, following the packet. Wash your hands before and afterwards. For a gel left on the skin, gently clean and dry the area, then apply a thin layer. For a gel wash, wet the area, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, rinse and pat dry. Check whether your product is for the face only or also the back and chest.4
How long does acne treatment take?
Give an acne product 6 to 8 weeks to show improvement rather than switching each week. Complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months. Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks; speak to a pharmacist or doctor if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks. Using more than directed will not make benzoyl peroxide work faster and increases the risk of side effects.24
What should stay off the shopping list?
An expensive product is not automatically better, despite the price tag's confidence. Teens do not need wrinkle focused retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acid routines. These products can cause redness, burning or peeling; acne treatment is a separate reason to use an active ingredient. Choose makeup, sunscreen and skin and hair products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Avoid astringents, rubbing alcohol and scrubs. Remove makeup before bed, and do not share makeup, brushes or applicators. During workouts, pat sweat with a clean towel instead of rubbing. Do not squeeze blemishes: picking can worsen inflammation and lead to pain or scarring.12
When should you stop or get help?
Benzoyl peroxide can cause dry, peeling, hot, itchy or painful skin. Using it less often can help; ask a pharmacist or doctor about persistent symptoms. Keep it away from eyes, mouth, broken or infected skin, and fabrics it can bleach. Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds. Stop using it and get emergency help for difficulty breathing or a swollen throat or tongue. Check with a doctor about use during pregnancy.4
See a dermatologist for deep or painful acne, dark marks, scarring, reactions to shop bought products, or breakouts that persist after a few months of treatment. Some acne needs prescription medicine rather than more skincare products.12
Is acne caused by food, dirt or stress?
Dirty skin does not cause acne, and frequent washing is not the answer. Stress does not cause acne either, though it can make existing acne worse. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that food has much effect on acne in most people. Some studies suggest certain foods can worsen acne, and the role of diet remains under investigation. Pressure from sports helmets, tight clothing or backpacks can also aggravate acne.35
