Teen Acne Is Tough — Here’s What Helps

Acne during the teenage years can feel like a rite of passage—but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. If you or your teen is struggling with breakouts, you’re far from alone. About 85% of teens experience acne at some point, ranging from the occasional pimple to persistent, cystic breakouts that affect self-esteem and confidence. And while teen acne is incredibly common, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored or brushed off as “just a phase.”

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we work with teens and their families every day, helping them understand what’s going on with their skin and how to take control of it—without falling into the trap of gimmicky treatments or harsh routines that do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll walk through why teen acne happens, what actually works to treat it, and when it might be time to explore something more advanced, like AviClear®.

WHY ACNE HAPPENS DURING THE TEEN YEARS

The teen years are a time of major hormonal shifts—and those changes play a big role in triggering acne. As puberty begins, the body starts producing more androgens, a group of hormones (including testosterone) that stimulate the oil glands in the skin. These glands ramp up production of sebum, a natural oil meant to protect and hydrate the skin. But when there’s too much oil, it combines with dead skin cells and clogs pores. This creates the perfect environment for C. acnes bacteria to grow, leading to inflammation, redness, and breakouts.

Of course, genetics also come into play. If a parent struggled with acne, their child is more likely to deal with it too. Some teens may naturally produce more oil, have stickier skin cells that clog more easily, or experience a stronger inflammatory response to bacteria. All of these factors increase the likelihood of breakouts.

Other contributors—like stress, diet, sports gear, and personal care products—can make acne worse but usually aren’t the root cause. For instance, stress doesn’t cause acne on its own, but it does raise cortisol levels, which can ramp up oil production and worsen inflammation. Likewise, high-glycemic foods or dairy may be acne triggers for some teens, but cutting out “bad” foods isn’t a cure-all. What’s more important is finding a consistent, skin-friendly routine and avoiding anything that clogs pores—especially in makeup, sunscreen, or leave-in hair products.

WHAT TEENAGE ACNE LOOKS LIKE

Teen acne can vary widely from person to person. For some, it’s just a few blackheads or whiteheads around the nose or forehead. Others may experience red, inflamed pimples on the cheeks, jawline, or back. And for some teens, especially those with more severe or stubborn acne, deeper nodules or cysts may form under the skin. These can be painful and are more likely to lead to scarring if not treated properly.

Even mild breakouts can take a toll on self-esteem—especially at a time when appearance feels closely tied to social confidence. That’s why we always encourage early treatment and gentle care. Acne doesn’t have to be “bad enough” to deserve help.

TREATING TEENAGE ACNE: WHAT REALLY WORKS

The good news is that many teens can improve their skin with the right routine. But consistency is key. We often see teens trying five different products in two weeks and giving up when they don’t see overnight results. The reality is that most acne treatments take time—usually at least six to twelve weeks—before improvements become noticeable.

A gentle, consistent skincare routine is the foundation. That usually means washing the face once or twice a day with a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help unclog pores and reduce bacteria. After cleansing, using a topical treatment—like adapalene (the active ingredient in Differin®)—can help prevent new breakouts by keeping skin cells from sticking together in the pores.

It’s also important to keep the skin hydrated with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. This may feel counterintuitive for oily or acne-prone skin, but skipping moisturizer can cause dryness and irritation, which only makes acne worse. And daily sunscreen is a must, especially when using acne treatments that can make the skin more sensitive to UV damage.

But just as important as what you do is what you don’t do. Harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and excessive washing can strip the skin and trigger more inflammation. Picking or popping pimples may feel satisfying in the moment, but it greatly increases the risk of scarring and can prolong healing. And while it’s tempting to follow viral TikTok skincare trends, not everything that works for someone else’s skin will work for yours—especially if the person sharing it doesn’t actually have acne-prone skin to begin with.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP 

Sometimes, over-the-counter products just aren’t enough—especially if the acne is persistent, painful, or leaving behind marks. We typically recommend seeking help if there’s been no improvement after a few months of consistent treatment, or if acne is affecting a teen’s confidence, mood, or quality of life.

Teens with deeper nodules, cysts, or widespread breakouts should absolutely see a professional. These types of acne are more likely to cause permanent scarring and often require more targeted treatments to get under control. And if acne is triggering feelings of anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal, it’s important to take those concerns seriously and seek support—not just for the skin, but for overall well-being.

At CLEAR, we take a thoughtful, non-judgmental approach with teens. We know how overwhelming it can be to sort through hundreds of skincare products and conflicting advice. Our goal is to simplify things and create a plan that makes sense for your skin—and your life.

WHY WE OFTEN RECOMMEND AVICLEAR® FOR TEEN ACNE

For teens who’ve tried all the topicals, changed their diets, and even gone through rounds of oral antibiotics, there’s finally a long-term, medication-free solution: AviClear®.

AviClear® is the first FDA-cleared laser treatment that specifically targets the oil glands. It works by calming down the overactive glands that are at the root of most teen acne. After a series of three treatments—spaced about a month apart—oil production becomes more balanced, leading to fewer breakouts over time.

What makes AviClear® such a good fit for teens is that it doesn’t involve daily medications, harsh side effects, or lengthy recovery time. There’s no need to stop your current skincare routine, and the treatment itself is quick and well-tolerated. Most teens describe the sensation as a warm, prickly feeling with coolness from the device’s sapphire tip.

Best of all, the results are long-lasting. Over the course of 9 to 12 months, the skin gradually becomes clearer and more stable with fewer and fewer flare-ups. For teens with busy schedules, sensitive skin, or hesitation around taking medications like Accutane®, AviClear® can be a game-changer.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT IT OUT

Teen acne doesn’t have to be a drawn-out battle. The earlier it’s addressed, the easier it is to avoid scarring and help your teen feel more confident in their skin. Whether your teen is just starting to break out or has been struggling for years, there are real solutions—and real support—available.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start seeing results, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation at CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, and let’s talk about what’s going on with your skin, what you’ve tried so far, and how we can help you move forward.

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