Though teenage years come with lots of excitement, they also come with an initiation to acne. Teen acne can be stressful and take away your confidence as a teen. However, you should know that you are not alone, and this is common for most teenagers.
The good thing is most of this acne comes and goes as time goes by. So, we recommend you develop a good skincare routine and start taking all preventative steps during these years. But if you have acne already, here are the best products for teenage acne to use on your skin.
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What is Teenage Acne?
Like any other type of acne, teenage acne occurs when an oily substance known as sebum clogs pores. It can also occur due to dead skin cells and the buildup of oil and bacteria, leading to inflammation in the pores. Teenage acne, however, is common during puberty. This is because oil glands usually get promoted when hormones get active during the period.
Let's check out the best acne treatments options now that we understand what teenage acne is. Read on!
If you want an all-in-one product to treat acne on your teen kid, look no further than the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. This gel is one of the best acne treatments for treating different types of teen acne, from mild, moderate to severe acne like blackheads and whiteheads. The main active ingredient in this gel is a retinoid, commonly known as adapalene. The ingredient usually reduces discoloration, promotes cell turnover, stimulates collagen, prevents breakouts and restores the teenage skin tone and texture. Additionally, though it's an over-the-counter product, it does not require a prescription.
The gel has anti-inflammatory properties meaning you use it during the day when it's sunny. We suggest you use it once every day alongside your skincare routine. Besides, though it's safe for all types of skin, individuals with mild or moderate acne-prone skins will get the best results. Moreover, we caution you if you're a newbie to the Differin Gel since you will experience mild irritation, dryness and redness, so no need to get worried. Your skin, however, will adjust with time.
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If you are looking for one of the best acne treatments suitable for acne and blemish-prone skin, we recommend the Bioré Charcoal Acne Face Scrub. This treatment is perfect for deep cleansing and exfoliation. You can use it to exfoliate your smooth skin without drying it up. The scrub is formulated with natural charcoal, which allows the scrub to penetrate the pores to help prevent and control the development of acne-related blemishes.
Bioré Charcoal Acne Face Scrub is perfect for oily skin and has one percent Salicylic Acid which usually treats existing acne and helps in preventing future breakout. It is formulated for continual use and is clinically tested and approved. So, for best results, use about 2-3 times per week or about twice daily as required.
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For one of the best products for teenage acne that can deal with body acne for good, count on the Murad Acne Body Wash. This body wash is a gentle exfoliator that is suitable for oily and combination skin. In addition, the product is formulated to prevent breakouts on your entire body.
The good thing with this product does not dry out your skin, while the 1% salicylic acid prevents future acne and helps clear active breakouts. The acid also helps in clearing, treating, preventing breakouts and removing dead skin cells. Additionally, it contains green tea, biodegradable beads and licorice root extracts that usually calm irritated skin.
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The Neutrogena On-The-Spot Cream is one of the best products for teenage acne that you can count for, especially if you want to get rid of acne quickly. This cream has 2.5 % Benzoyl peroxide, which has pimple-removing powers allowing the cream to absorb and not dry your face out. Also, the cream is clinically proven to be effective with few visible results on the first day.
Neutrogena acne product is non-comedogenic and oil-free, so don't worry about clogging pores or more breakouts. Also, this treatment gets deep down into the skin pores to eliminate acne bacteria which usually cause pimples and help prevent future breakouts from forming. We recommend you apply this cream about three times every day for great results.
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What Causes Teen Acne?
Teens are likely to have acne during the puberty period. Besides, acne can result from dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, excess oil-clogging pores. Other factors that lead to acne include;
1. Hormonal changes
Hormonal acne is a result of a change of hormones that usually promote sebum production. The hormonal imbalances mainly occur during puberty or menstruation and can cause breakouts or make acne worse.
2. Stress
Teenagers can get acne due to examination stress and other stresses.
3. Oily skin
An oily T-zone can cause face acne, mainly if you don't wash your face in the morning and before sleeping.
4. Poor hygiene
Good hygiene is crucial because it will help you avoid getting sick and prevent you from getting acne.
5. Certain medications
Some medications can be the cause of acne on your skin.
6. Skincare products
If you have an oily T-zone, we recommend using oil-free and noncomedic skin products to avoid ace. Oil-based products can be the reason you have acne.
7. Hair products
We recommend you be keen on the hair products you buy for your daughter or son because they might be why your child has forehead acne. Also, as a teenager, ensure you wash your hair often since it can get greasy of which can cause acne.
Tips on How to Manage Teen Acne
1. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water.
Though it might feel like nothing works when dealing with teenage acne, patience and consistency, you will have your smooth skin texture back. Use a gentle cleanser like Cerave or Cetaphil to prevent the skin from over-drying and to remove dead skin cells. However, please don't overdo it. It is enough to wash your face morning and evening. Conversely, consider the temperature of the water you're using to wash your face. We recommend you use lukewarm water since cold or hot water can worsen acne.
2. Remove makeup when sleeping.
When on acne treatments, avoid sleeping with your makeup since the makeup can result in pores clogging, and that will cause acne breakouts. Also, it would be best if you moderated the makeup. Furthermore, the kind of makeup you go for matters too. Use makeup that is acne-friendly.
3. Avoid picking at your pimples.
It might be attempting to pop those pimples, but avoid it at all cost. Picking pimples increase the chances of scarring, and it makes it take longer to heal. Moreover, avoid touching your face because this might spread the oils that can clog your pores.
4. Avoid relying on over-the-counter products only when treating acne.
It can take about 4-8 weeks for existing pimples to heal when using medication. For mild acne, lotions, gels, and topical treatments can help unclog pores and reduce bacteria, enhancing the teenager's skin appearance. On the other hand, moderate or severe teen acne will need an oral acne medication like isotretinoin, antibiotics or birth control pills for women.
Besides, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist and work with them to get the proper medication for your acne. Avoid using over-the-counter acne products without consulting your doctor. Antibiotics can help on occasional does remove inflammatory acne caused by the P. acnes bacterium. They're available as oral antibiotics or in topical gels or creams that you apply for some days. We, however, recommend against overusing oral antibiotics; otherwise, your body can build up a resistance to them.
5. Ensure you moisturize your skin with oil-free, non-comedogenic products every day
If your teen kid has acne-prone skin, we recommend going for mild products since your skin is already inflamed; thus, you don't want to risk using too many chemicals that can result in more breakouts and prevent future acne. Acne-prone skins usually require mild moisturizers, cream or lotion. Moreover, we recommend using products with oil-free and non-comedogenic ingredients meaning it won't create the whiteheads and blackheads that clog pores. Also, we recommend the teens apply moisturizer immediately after applying acne medication.
6. Ensure to apply sunscreen when out of the house
When going to the beach or running errands, ensure you protect your skin from sun exposure by applying sunscreen. Too much exposure can destroy your skin and increase inflammation, making you vulnerable to acne breakouts. Additionally, some drugs might make your skin vulnerable to the sun's UV rays if taking them. Therefore, we recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Products for Teenage Acne
1. Active ingredients
The best products for teenage acne come with a consistent skincare routine formulated with effective active ingredients that help in acne treatment, kill bacteria and prevent acne breakouts. Here are the three main ingredients that are most effective in treating acne in teenagers.
- Retinoids: If you are suffering from inflammatory acne, you need to buy acne products with retinoids. Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that unblock clogged oil pores to prevent nodules and cysts. They are a great option to go for acne. However, we recommend you consult a dermatologist before buying these acne products with retinoids, as they can only be sold with a prescription. Additionally, topical retinoids are a great option too. They are available as gels and creams that you need to apply at least twice a day. Also, you will need to be extra careful with sun exposure as vitamin A can increase sensitivity to UV rays.
- Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide, also known as BPO or simply BP, is an effective acne-fighting ingredient. Most of the best acne treatments have this acne-fighting ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide products usually deliver oxygen into your pores, destroying the acne-causing bacteria because they cannot survive in an oxygen-rich environment. Also, this ingredient is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it usually reduces inflammation and redness that comes with pimples.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid, also referred to as a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is an effective active ingredient for acne treatment for teens. It usually works as an exfoliant as it promotes the shedding of dead skin, which helps get rid of all the acne-causing dirt clogging your pores. So, with all the dead skin gone, your skin pores tend to look smaller, and your skin can appear much radiant.
2. Skin types & skin tone
Before buying the best products for teenage acne, you need to understand their skin type and tone since different products are specifically designed for various skin types. For example, if your teenage daughter or son has dry skin, we recommend avoiding alcohol skincare products and hydrating ingredients like oils, silicones such as dimethicone, glycerin, and aloe. On the other hand, if they have oily skin, look for products that give a matte finish. Lighter or gel products like isododecane or silica will make you less shiny. On the other hand, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products are highly recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Skincare products are usually divided into three skin types, oily skin, normal/dry or sensitive skin. Therefore, it's best to use skin products that treat teen acne and check out ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like salicylic acid, ceramides, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, azelaic acid and glycolic acid.
3. Soothing properties
When looking for the best acne treatment for teens, soothing properties are vital, susceptible skin. It usually helps calm irritated skin and inflammation. Also, if they have acne scars, stubborn blackheads, pitted scars, or uneven tone, these soothing properties usually help fade them. Therefore, it would be best to look for best acne treatment products with green tea, Aloe Vera, and tea tree oil extracts because they have these soothing properties.
