Teen Acne Treatment
While acne is common in teenagers, affecting 85% of teens, it can cause significant disruptions in their lives. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our acne specialists can identify the best acne treatment for teens with a focus on clearing their skin and preventing further damage to the skin.
Why Do Teens Get Acne?
Teenagers get acne for several reasons, but the primary cause is hormone changes that occur during puberty. The sebum glands produce excess oil within the pores leading to greasier skin, clogged pores, increased bacteria, and a lack of dead skin cell shedding. Over time, this inflammation builds up, and the acne cycle begins. Stress, diet, sports equipment like helmets, and certain medications can also cause acne in teens.
Acne in Teen Boys vs. Girls
Boys and girls both get acne, but there are some notable differences in acne causes for each gender. Boys have testosterone surges during puberty, which can cause the production of excess sebum and acne. Girls, on the other hand, often start their menstrual cycles and have estrogen and progesterone levels that vary significantly. As a result, the skin’s health and sebum production are affected, leading to acne.
Boys typically experience more severe acne than girls. They are more prone to nodular and cystic acne, acne on the chest and back (often called “bacne”), and oilier skin overall. Girls, while they can certainly experience severe acne, are more likely to have inflammatory acne, hormonal acne along the jawline and chin, and a mix of pimples and blackheads.
Common Types of Teenage Acne
The most common type of acne in teenagers is acne vulgaris. This acne appears along the upper back, chest, neck, shoulders, and face. Some people will have mild acne with only some blackheads, whiteheads, or papules. Others will have moderate acne with many pustules. In severe cases, painful nodules and cysts are common, as well as long-term scarring.
Different types of acne lesions that teenagers commonly experience include:
- Blackheads: Open comedones that appear as small, dark spots on the skin’s surface. The dark color is not due to dirt but oxidized melanin.
- Whiteheads: Closed comedones that look like small, flesh-colored or white bumps under the skin.
- Papules: Small, red, tender bumps without a visible center.
- Pustules: Similar to papules but with a visible white or yellow center filled with pus.
- Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
- Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.
When Does Teenage Acne Stop?
The duration and severity of teenage acne can vary significantly from person to person. For many individuals, acne peaks during the mid-teenage years, often between 14 and 17. During this time, breakouts may be more frequent and intense due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly androgens like testosterone, which stimulate oil glands to produce more sebum.
As teenagers transition into young adulthood, hormones begin to stabilize which often leads to a gradual improvement in acne symptoms. By the age of 24, a significant number of people find that their acne has largely resolved or at least significantly improved. However, sometimes, acne doesn’t stop on its own and persists well into the 20s, 30s, or beyond.
Best Dermatologist Acne Treatments for Teens
There are a variety of dermatological acne and acne scar treatments available for teens. The treatment should cater to the severity and type of acne. It’s essential to consult with a Dermatologist to ensure you’re receiving the right treatment for your skin’s needs.
Oral Acne Medications
Oral medications include oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies and isotretinoin. Some of these are commonly used in teens, such as spironolactone to help regulate hormones, but others like isotretinoin, are only used as a last effort to eliminate the toughest cases of acne.
Topical Prescription Creams & Spot Treatments
Common topical prescription creams and spot treatments include retinoids (like tretinoin and adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics (like clindamycin). Retinoids work by unclogging pores and promoting cell turnover, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil. Topical antibiotics reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
Remember, teen skin is more sensitive, requiring careful application and gradual introduction of products. Teens should apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, starting with lower concentrations and gradually increasing if no reaction occurs. It’s normal to experience initial dryness or irritation, which can be managed using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be another option for people who have problems with acne. They remove the bacteria that causes acne and heal moderate to severe cases of acne. The main concern with antibiotics is that using them regularly can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can be problematic in the long term for a variety of health issues. Therefore, antibiotics are typically used with other treatments for as little time as necessary to achieve results.
Laser and Light Therapy
Laser and light therapies can also help get rid of acne. They reduce oil production and kill the bacteria that cause acne. In many cases, light and laser therapies also improve the skin’s appearance by boosting collagen production, which can help keep your skin looking young for years.
However, they may cause temporary side effects like redness, dryness, or increased sun sensitivity. While generally safe for teens, experienced dermatology providers should administer these treatments to ensure proper application and treatment management. Failure to follow the treatment protocol can lead to premature aging.
Teenage Acne Scarring
Teen acne scarring is typically caused by acne that isn’t treated appropriately. It sometimes results from severe acne that leads to deep scars. Acne scarring in teenagers is often a distressing issue, with atrophic scars such as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars being the most prevalent.
Treatment options for teenage acne scars are diverse and tailored to the scar type. Topical creams containing retinoids or vitamin C can help improve mild scarring by promoting collagen production and skin cell turnover. Chemical peels can be effective for more noticeable scars, though they may cause temporary redness and increased sun sensitivity. Laser therapies, such as fractional CO2 lasers, offer significant improvement for moderate to severe scarring by stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the skin but may require multiple sessions and a longer recovery period.
How Can Teens Prevent Acne?
Managing acne as a teenager can be challenging, but it’s possible to prevent and control breakouts effectively with the right approach. Establish a gentle skincare routine using a non-comedogenic face wash twice daily to remove excess oil and impurities without irritating the skin. Follow up with an oil-free, water-based moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
It’s also crucial to resist the urge to pick at or excessively scrub pimples, leading to inflammation and scarring. Instead, focus on stress management through activities like exercise, meditation, or talking with friends, as stress can make acne worse. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while staying well-hydrated can also support overall skin health.
Teen Acne Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group
At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we understand the toll that acne can take on teens. If teen acne persists or worsens, it’s important to consult with a dermatology specialist. Our providers can offer personalized advice and prescribe more intensive treatments for stubborn acne. Remember, consistency is key in acne management, and clearer skin is achievable with the right therapies. Contact us today or find a location near you to schedule an appointment.
Reviewed by Dr. MaryBeth Parisi.