All About Teen Acne

Being a teenager isn’t easy and bad skin can only add to the rollercoaster of these formative years. Eighty percent of teens suffer from some form of acne due to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. While the increase of testosterone during puberty is the main cause of breakouts, poor skincare practices can also aggravate this chronic skin condition. Helping your teen to properly care for their skin can not therefore only reduce the appearance of acne and prevent scarring but also set them up for healthier skin habits for the rest of their lives. 

Read on for our Skin Laundry guide to teen acne and how to treat it. 

What Is Acne?  

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in whiteheads (closed plugged pores); blackheads (open plugged pores); and pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at the tip.  

Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. Three in 10 teenagers have severe acne.  

While acne is common among teens, it can still affect both their self-esteem and mental health. In addition to causing embarrassment, unsightly skin, and scarring, acne often has a psychological impact and those with acne can be at a higher risk of developing depression.  

The first step when trying to tackle acne is to adopt a consistent skincare routine that targets the causes of this skin condition. 

What is the best skin care routine for Teen Acne?

Dermatologists recommend starting a skincare routine in the tween or teen years, as establishing a good skincare routine early on can lay the foundation for healthy skin for life.  

Teens should keep their skincare routine simple and consistent.   

Cleanse twice a day upon waking and before bedtime. Teens should also wash their face after a sweaty activity or use micellar cleansing wipes. Avoid using a washcloth, as these can harbor bacteria. Instead, use clean fingertips to wash the face and apply any product.  

Use an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin's pH and support barrier function.  

Use a moisturizer after cleansing. Healthy skin is hydrated skin. While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that even acne-prone individuals will break out less if the skin is well hydrated, as dryness prompts the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and further acne.  

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Regardless of skin type, every teen should be wearing sunscreen as the last step of their skincare routine to protect the skin from sun damage and the risk of skin cancer.  

Do not pick at pimples, as they will not only spread bacteria to other areas on the face, but also cause hyperpigmentation and scarring. Dermatologists recommended hydrocolloid pimple patches to absorb excess oil and impurities from pimples while creating a protective barrier to keep bacteria out.       

Change your pillowcase regularly. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, change your pillowcase every three to four days, as oil, sebum, and bacteria can build up on the fabric. Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering your bedding as these products may contain chemicals and fragrance that can cause irritation and inflammation, potentially worsening acne flare-ups, and also leaving behind a waxy residue on fabric that can clog pores.