Understanding Teenage Acne & Top Tips to get rid of it!

Summary

Dr. Finbar explains how teenage acne develops and outlines lifestyle, skincare, and medical options for managing it. Acne typically involves increased oil production, clogged pores (whiteheads and blackheads), bacteria, and inflammation.

Hormonal changes are a common trigger, and acne can run in families. However, inherited risk doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Some people may still need medical treatment despite healthy habits.

Strategies and tips

• Review your diet: The evidence discussed suggests that sugary foods and high-carbohydrate diets may worsen acne. A trial without dairy for 4–6 weeks may be worth considering, though it won’t help everyone.
• Manage stress: Stress may worsen existing acne, and acne itself can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, or social isolation. Mindfulness, meditation, physical activity, good sleep, and a balanced diet may help manage stress.
• Prioritize sleep: Good-quality sleep supports stress management and the body’s repair processes.
• Avoid smoking and vaping: Cigarette smoking may cause or worsen acne. Research on vaping and skin disorders is still developing, so the presenter advises avoiding it rather than waiting for more evidence.
• Be gentle with your skin: Don’t pop or squeeze spots, or scrub, rub, or over-exfoliate them. These actions can aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
• Use cleansers sparingly: Cleansing can remove oil, sunscreen, makeup, and buildup, but too much cleansing may damage the skin’s natural defenses. If your skin is oily, consider using a gentle, oil-free cleanser in the evening. Some people may need it only a few times a week.
• Moisturize and use sun protection: Acne-prone skin can also be dry. Choose products labeled non-comedogenic or suitable for acne-prone skin. The presenter suggests using sunscreen in the morning and, if needed, cleansing and applying moisturizer in the evening.
• Give treatments time: Whether you’re changing habits or starting medication, allow at least 8 weeks to assess the results.
• Consider other options if needed: LED light treatments may help but require regular use. The presenter notes that topical probiotics are still being studied.

Medical treatments

If acne persists, a doctor may recommend prescription creams such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids.

Oral antibiotics may be needed for at least three months. They can affect gut bacteria and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Spironolactone may be useful for some people with specific hormonal issues.

For severe or treatment-resistant acne, isotretinoin may be considered. It can have more side effects and requires monitoring, including blood tests and pregnancy testing.

Presenter and sources mentioned

Dr. Finbar; the American Academy of Dermatology Association; an unnamed systematic review on diet and acne; and an unnamed Singapore study of exam stress and teenage acne.