Teens and adults alike can agree on one thing: acne is the worst. And with so many skincare products and medications being promoted all over TV and social media, trying to find the right treatment can be a frustrating experience. Every commercial seems to promise quick fixes and flawless skin, but how do you even know which products and methods to start with?
When it comes to something as sensitive and personal as your skin, it’s important to go beyond the ads and do some research to find what works for you. Let’s take a closer look at choosing acne treatment for teens, including tips for finding the right products and procedures for your skin.
Tips for Choosing Your Acne Products
The best acne product for you depends on your skin type, preferences, and how your body responds to different formulas, which means that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you get started as you’re looking for the right acne treatment:
- Check Ingredient Lists: Make sure there aren’t harmful or harsh ingredients in the products you choose, and look for gentle, water-based formulas. Active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and adapalene are good to start with because they often work well without causing adverse reactions.
- Keep Your Skin Type in Mind: If your skin is dry, look for products that also hydrate. If it tends to be more oily, look for oil-free products that won’t clog your pores.
- Experiment with Creams vs. Gels: Acne treatment for teens may come as a cream, ointment, gel, or even an infused towelette. Try out different forms of products until you find one that feels good and works well.
- Start Small: It might not take much to treat your acne, so start with lower-strength products used at longer intervals. Slowly work up to stronger products, more frequent treatments, etc., if needed so your body can get used to your new routine. But careful not to overdo it—your skin is made up of sensitive components and a lot of products could end up doing more damage than good.
- Consult a Dermatologist: Dermatologists are experts in all things skin and acne. An appointment could be all it takes to get all the info you need on your skin—the skin type you have and what product(s) you need.
- Give It Time: The most important thing is to be patient. Finding the right acne products can take a lot of trial and error, time, and practice. Try products for a while to give them time to take effect, and try a few gentler things before moving on to stronger treatments.
Acne Treatment for Teens: Top Options
Everyone’s skin and acne are different, so different treatments will work better for some than they do for others. These are some of our top recommendations for acne treatment for teens, but be sure to do your own research, talk to your dermatologist, and try a few different things until you find what works for you.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an active ingredient in several acne creams, gels, and face washes. It acts as a chemical exfoliant by breaking down dry skin and reducing the redness from acne.
Both over-the-counter and prescription strengths are available, depending on how severe your acne is. Start with a lower concentration and use it a couple of times a week. If it doesn’t seem to be effective, try a higher concentration or more frequent application, or talk to your dermatologist about getting a prescription.
Accutane
If the more basic treatments aren’t effective, you can talk to your dermatologist about trying Accutane. Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a medication that reduces the production of sebum (i.e., oil) in the glands in your skin, which in turn reduces clogged pores and acne. It is especially effective for treating cystic acne, clearing up sores that don’t respond to other treatments, and preventing scarring.
This is a stronger medication that has some side effects, such as dryness or mild headaches and muscle soreness. However, most people can easily manage these, and few other acne treatments for teens can match the long-term efficacy of Accutane.
Acne Surgery
Another solution that you can consider if most other treatments have proven ineffective is acne surgery. Don’t let the name fool you—this treatment isn’t nearly as invasive as it sounds. During acne surgery, your dermatologist will gently clean the oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells out of acne lesions. It’s a simple, quick, outpatient procedure with minimal recovery and side effects that has the power to prevent future breakouts.
Acne surgery isn’t a permanent solution, and you may need further treatment to prevent future acne, but it does help clear up current stubborn acne and reduce the risk of scarring.
Get Personalized Acne Help at Utah Valley Dermatology
At Utah Valley Dermatology, our goal is to help you feel happy, healthy, and confident with your skin. We’re dedicated to providing innovative, effective acne treatment for teens and friendly, personalized attention at every appointment. If you’ve been fighting acne for a while or just aren’t sure where to get started on treatments, schedule a consultation. We’re here to help.