How To Treat Teenage Acne

Teenage acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of adolescents worldwide. It typically arises due to hormonal changes during puberty, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores. Acne can present as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and even nodules, which can significantly impact a teenager’s self-esteem and overall well-being. There are five basic principles for treating acne successfully,

Step 1: Normalise Desquamation of Keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are the primary cells in the epidermis that can stick together and block hair follicles, leading to blackheads or whiteheads, depending on whether the pore is open or closed.

Treatment tips that can help you normalise the Desquamation of Keratinocytes

• Promote cell turnover, preventing keratinocytes from clogging pores
• Reduce sebum build-up

Skincare ingredients that normalise the Desquamation of Keratinocytes

• Retinoids
• Salicylic Acid

Skincare products that can help with the Desquamation of Keratinocytes

• Lamelle Clarity Corrective PM Plus
• La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum
• Hyaestic BHA 2% Pore Refining

Step 2: Reduce Bacteria

During puberty, the sebaceous glands become more active, producing excess sebum that clogs pores, creating an ideal environment for C. acnes bacteria to thrive.

Treatment tips that can help reduce C. Acnes Bacteria

• Eliminate C. acnes bacteria and calm inflammation
• Absorb excess oil and reduce the build-up of sebum 

Skincare ingredients that reduce C. Acnes Bacteria

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Azelaic Acid
• Sulphur

Skincare products that can help reduce C. Acnes Bacteria

• Hyaestic Spot Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
• ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque
• pHformula SPOT ON Blemish Active

Step 3: Unclog Pores

Comedolytics work by loosening keratinocytes, thereby unclogging the pores. Professional extractions by a licensed skin therapist can also help in clearing blocked pores.

Treatment tips that can help remove blockage in clogged pores

• Dissolve sebum buildup in the pilo sebaceous unit
• Exfoliate the surface of the skin to and unclog pores

Skincare ingredients that can help remove blockage in clogged pores

• Salicylic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Kaolin clay

Skincare products that can help remove blockage in clogged pores

• Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Blemish Cleanser Treatment
• Hyaestic BHA 2% Pore Refining
• Lamelle Clarity Clear Mask

Step 4: Control Inflammation

The body’s immune response to bacteria can result in redness, swelling, and pustules. Anti-inflammatory ingredients help calm the skin and reduce the risk of scarring.

Treatment tips that can help control Inflammation

• Promote healing and calm the skin
• Soothe redness
• Protect with antioxidants

Skincare ingredients that control inflammation

• Aloe Vera
• Niacinamide
• Green Tea Extract

Skincare products that can help control the Inflammation

• MartiDerm Acniover Cicavent
• FEEV Hyper-Hydro Cream
• NeoStrata® PHA Renewal Pads

Step 5: Improve Quantity & Quality of Sebum

Excessive sebum production can lead to more frequent breakouts. 

Treatment tips that can help control sebum

• Reduce sebum production, preventing the formation of acne lesions
• Regulate the quality of the sebum produced

Skincare ingredients that can help control sebum

• Retinoids
• Silymarin

Skincare products that can help control sebum

• NeoStrata® Targeted Clarifying Gel
• Avène Cleanance Comedomed Concentrate
• SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

Dermastore® Teen Acne Box

Our teen acne box offers an expertly curated selection of Dermatologist-recommended skincare that covers all the necessary steps to help alleviate and reduce teen acne.

Dr. Webster’s additional recommendations

For those struggling with cystic acne or severe cases unresponsive to other treatments, Dr. Webster advises considering oral retinoids such as isotretinoin under medical supervision. Effective acne treatment today means no one should suffer permanent scarring.