Teen Acne: How to Help Your Child?

Acne is extremely common. About 85% of young people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne. How can you support your child and help them find the right skincare routine? Let’s break it down.

“You’re Not Alone”: The Most Important Thing Is Support

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Acne isn’t just about skin—it can take a toll on self-esteem and lead to insecurity. Some teens may start avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed about their appearance. That’s why emotional support is key.

While acne isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can leave both physical and emotional scars. Remind your child that this phase is temporary and that they’re not alone in facing it.

How to Support Your Teen:

• Listen without judgment. Show that you’re sensitive to what they’re going through and reassure them that acne is completely normal. Share your own experiences if relevant.
• Help with skincare. Choose the right products together (a visit to a dermatologist is highly recommended!).
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle. It benefits not only their skin but also their overall well-being.
• Be patient. Acne treatment takes time, and results aren’t instant—remind your child to stick with it.

Why Does Acne Happen?

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Teen acne is a natural result of changes in the body during puberty.

Main Causes:

• Hormones. Rising androgen levels trigger excess oil production.
• Genetics. If you had acne as a teen, your child is more likely to experience it too.
• Skin oil imbalance. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria.

Essentially, the pores and tiny hair follicles get clogged and the oils can’t escape. Due to gender differences in the timing of puberty, the average girl will develop acne at about 11 while for boys this can be closer to age 13.

What Can Make Acne Worse?

• A diet high in sugar and greasy foods
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Using the wrong skincare products

How to Get Rid of Acne?

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A great first step is to consult a dermatologist. They’ll assess the severity of acne and recommend treatment, which may include:

• Topical treatments (creams, gels, or prescription medications)
• Dermatological procedures (facials, peels)
• A consistent skincare routine (gentle cleansing and moisturizing daily)

Many teens want a “magic fix” to clear their acne overnight. As a parent, remind them that patience and consistency are key—only by following a specialist’s advice regularly will they achieve clear skin.

✔ Acne Prevention & Daily Skincare Tips

• Wash the face twice a day with a mild cleanser—avoid harsh scrubs.
• Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer labeled for acne-prone skin.
• Avoid touching the face to prevent bacterial spread.
• Do not pop pimples—this can cause inflammation and scarring.
• Adjust the diet:
  • Cut back on sugar, fast food, and greasy meals.
  • Some teens see improvements by reducing dairy—try eliminating it for a couple of weeks.
  • Eat more vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in omega-3s.
• Use over-the-counter acne treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Remind your teen to follow the directions, as overuse Manage stress through exercise, walks, or meditation.
• Change pillowcases and towels weekly, or more if needed, to prevent bacteria buildup.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwashing the face—this can dry out and irritate the skin.
• Using harsh scrubs or alcohol-based toners—they can cause inflammation.
• Not following directions for over-the-counter acne medications—over-application can cause dryness and peeling.
• Overusing makeup—stick to non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores.

Acne is completely normal and not a reason to stress excessively. But keep in mind that because it matters to teens, it should be addressed with understanding by you. Instead of becoming overly anxious or upset, it’s an opportunity for teens to build healthy skincare habits. Support your teen, educate them on proper care and nutrition, and help them manage the emotional challenges that come with it.

And remember: Confidence is the real beauty!

References:

1. Dermatology: How to manage acne vulgaris. National Library of Medicine
2. What causes acne, and how do I treat it? UC Davis Health.