What skincare products should a teenager use for acne?

Choose the treatment for the spots

Whiteheads are closed, clogged pores; blackheads remain open. Their dark colour is not dirt. Inflamed bumps can look pink or red on white skin and brown or purple on brown and black skin. You can have more than one type of spot, so a mixed pattern is a reason to ask a pharmacist which treatment fits.23

What is a good acne routine for teens?

1. 1Cleanse in the morning and before bed. Use a gentle cleanser, or a medicated acne wash if that is your chosen treatment. Makeup removal wipes do not replace washing.
2. 2Apply a leave on treatment after cleansing, following its label. For adapalene, use a pea sized amount across the face rather than as a spot treatment. For a topical retinoid, starting two to three times weekly and increasing as tolerated is an option.
3. 3Apply an oil free moisturizer after washing. Keep greasy creams and hair pomades away from acne affected areas.
4. 4Wear sunscreen during the day. Remove makeup at night, and wash up after sweaty sport or exercise.

Do not independently stack salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other acne medicines on the same skin. Check combinations with a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you already have a prescription. Adapalene is available without a prescription in the US, while the NHS lists it among prescription treatments in the UK.2356

Should teens use salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid helps unplug pores and reduce swelling and redness. It is an option for teenage acne, including small pimples. Choose an acne product, since salicylic acid also appears in treatments for warts and other conditions. Strength and frequency depend on the product, so follow its label rather than borrowing directions from a different bottle.6

First apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas for three days. If there is no reaction or discomfort, use it as directed. Start less often if needed, and reduce frequency if dryness or irritation develops. Full benefit can take several weeks or longer; acne can worsen during the first few days.6

Do not apply salicylic acid to broken, irritated or infected skin, or large body areas without medical advice. Avoid abrasive cleansers, alcohol containing skincare and other acne medicines on treated skin unless a doctor approves. Teenagers with flu or chickenpox should not use it unless a doctor directs them, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious illness affecting organs including the brain and liver. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicines and relevant medical conditions before use.6

Can teenagers use benzoyl peroxide?

Most teenagers aged 12 or older can use benzoyl peroxide. It reduces bacteria and helps with pimples and blocked pores. Start with the lowest strength; 2.5% is an option for particularly sensitive skin because higher concentrations are more likely to cause dryness and irritation. Washes, gels and lotions are available, but some products are only for the face.45

1. 1Wash your hands before application.
2. 2For a leave on gel, gently clean and dry the skin, then apply a thin layer to affected areas.
3. 3For a gel wash, wet the area, wash with a small amount for one to two minutes, rinse and pat dry. Check the product's own directions.
4. 4Wash your hands afterwards. Use once or twice daily as directed.

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from eyes, mouth, broken skin and infected skin. It can bleach fabric and hair and increase sensitivity to sunlight. Using extra will not speed treatment. Dryness, peeling, redness or itching can improve with less frequent use; ask a pharmacist or doctor about persistent or troublesome effects. If pregnant, check before use; benzoyl peroxide can usually be used during pregnancy.5

Benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene, particularly with heat or prolonged storage. FDA testing in March 2025 found undetectable or extremely low levels in more than 90% of 95 tested products; research continues. If concerned, store the product as directed, generally at room temperature or cooler, replace it every 10 to 12 weeks and discard it after exposure to temperatures above 78°F. Ask about another treatment if you prefer to avoid benzoyl peroxide.7

What moisturizer is good for teenage acne?

Choose an oil free moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Apply it after washing, including when using acne treatment. The useful shopping terms are oil free and noncomedogenic, not a bottle's promise to reinvent adolescence. Avoid greasy moisturizers on affected areas. Sensitive skin using a retinoid can also benefit from adding an oil free moisturizer or sunscreen.34

How long should you give the routine?

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within four weeks, while significant improvement from acne treatment generally takes one to two months. Arrange a review if pimples or blocked pores persist after six to eight weeks. If the routine has not brought acne under control by about three months, see a doctor.1245

When should a teenager get medical help?

Do not wait through a trial routine for deep painful lumps, scarring, lots of spots, hot swollen skin or acne affecting mental health. A doctor can offer prescription treatment or a dermatology referral. Avoid picking, squeezing and scrubbing, which can worsen acne or cause scars. Prescription options include creams, gels and tablets; the choice depends on severity and individual needs.3

Stop the treatment and get emergency help for breathing difficulty or throat or tongue swelling. Salicylic acid also requires immediate help for symptoms such as throat tightness, facial swelling or feeling faint. Seek medical advice for severe or persistent irritation rather than continuing through it.56