Acne is one of the most common concerns for teenagers around the globe — it is estimated that 85% of teenagers experience acne.
And though acne can be a frustrating and long-term condition, advancements in skin care have made it more manageable than ever. The more you learn about the options out there, the more choices you have to minimize your acne for good.
Below we’ve included some of our top choices for treating acne, as well as the best acne treatment for teens.
Lifestyle Changes
There are numerous causes of acne, the most prevalent of which are lifestyle choices. Everything from the quality of sleep we get to to the food we eat plays a role in our skin’s oil production.
If you’re a teen, you may want to consider the following lifestyle changes to manage your acne symptoms.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages have reputations for causing acne. Dairy, refined sugar, and highly processed foods are the worst culprits. These foods increase inflammation and cause oil production to go haywire.
To reduce acne, we suggest replacing these foods with anti-inflammatory ones like colorful fruits, veggies, fish, and chia seeds. Swap out your favorite soda for unsweetened green tea, and your skin will thank you.
Stress Release
Your stress levels also play a role in how much acne you have. Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which increases oil production and leads to breakouts.
Decreasing stress through meditation, exercise, yoga, and journaling are just a few of the ways you can combat anxiety-induced acne.
Chemical Treatments
Most teens should have a daily skincare routine to keep their skin clean and unclogged. Start with a gentle cleanser and light lotion (look for ones that work with your skin type).
You can also introduce an over-the-counter chemical treatment to keep your skin clear. In many cases, teens find that these light chemical acne products keep breakouts at bay.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common acne-fighting ingredients and can be found in many strengths and forms. Often, you’ll find it in a gel or acne cream.
It unclogs your poor by killing bacteria, removing excess oil from the skin, and getting rid of dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat existing acne and prevent breakouts.
Salicyclic Acid
Salicyclic acid, like benzoyl peroxide, works to prevent your skin from being clogged. However, salicylic acid targets the cause of acne rather than acne itself.
It doesn’t kill bacteria; rather, it dissolves the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface and in pores that cause acne. It also removes surface oil and helps with skin texture.
If you suffer from mostly whiteheads and blackheads, salicylic acid will be the best choice for you. Benzoyl peroxide is a better choice for pustules.
Facials
Maintaining a skincare routine is always the first step towards clearer, healthier skin, but sometimes you may have concerns that go beyond what an OTC medicine can fix. For instance, problems with skin discoloration and acne scarring require an additional solution. Our hydrafacials are noninvasive treatments that will rejuvenate your skin and help with cell turnover. Whatever your age or skin type, a hydrafacial could be beneficial for your acne concerns.
Natural Solutions
You may be reluctant to introduce OTC treatments into your skincare regimen, especially if you have sensitive skin that is prone to allergic reactions. In these cases, natural solutions may be more beneficial to you.
Vitamins
Vitamins may be a solution for clearer skin, according to one study. It looks at levels of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E in the blood of people who had acne and who did not.
Those with significantly lower levels of these vitamins had more acne, whereas those with higher levels tended not to.
Introducing a vitamin supplement may help your skin produce less acne, although it’s wise to consult with your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
Herbal Treatments
Before modern treatments existed, herbs were used to treat acne and a variety of other skin conditions. Herbal treatments typically have fewer side effects than modern treatments.
Tea tree is a popular herb used to treat skin problems and wounds. It has anti-inflammatory abilities and has similar effectiveness as benzoyl peroxide, though it takes longer to work.
Witch hazel is another effective option for treating option. It contains the astringent tannins, which removes excess skin oil. Witch hazel also can rescue redness, bruising, and inflammation in the skin.
When It’s Time to See a Doctor
Acne is a skin condition that comes and goes. You may have little acne for months and then have a surge of breakouts unexpectedly.
While it’s normal for your skin to fluctuate, especially as a teen, there are some circumstances that warrant a visit to your doctor.
If you’ve tried different solutions ranging from chemical treatments to lifestyle changes and haven’t noticed a difference, your doctor may recommend prescribing acne medication.
Other factors like hormone imbalances, anxiety disorders, or genetic predispositions to acne could cause your skin to break out more frequently, and you may need a prescribed acne medicine.
It is normal to feel discouraged when suffering from acne, but always remember that there is hope. Acne treatments are only becoming more successful and accessible. Treat yourself with compassion and do your best to be patient through a frustrating process.
The Best Acne Treatment for Teens
You may still be wondering: what is the best acne treatment for teens?
The answer depends on you!
No two skin types are exactly the same – what may work for you could cause negative effects for someone else. The best acne treatment for teens is simply the one that meets your individual needs and lifestyle.
It may take some trial and error for you to find the optimal skincare regimen for you, but you don’t have to do it without help. To learn more about skincare treatments, get in touch with one of our specialists.