teenage acne

What Is Teenage Acne?

Teenage acne is a very common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria during puberty. Hormonal changes in the teenage years increase oil production, which can lead to spots such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or deeper, painful cysts. Acne most often appears on the:

  • Face
  • Forehead
  • Chest
  • Upper back
  • Shoulders

What causes teenage acne?

  • Hormonal changes during puberty
  • Oily skin
  • Genetics (family history)
  • Stress
  • Certain skincare or makeup products
  • Friction from helmets, sports gear, or tight clothing
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Best Skincare Routine For Teenage Acne

A simple and consistent skincare routine can help control teenage acne, reduce breakouts, and prevent scarring. The key is using gentle, acne-friendly products without over-washing or irritating the skin.

Morning Routine

1. Gentle Cleanser: Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove oil and dirt without drying the skin.

2. Acne Treatment (Optional): Use products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help unclog pores and reduce bacteria.

3. Lightweight Moisturiser: Even acne-prone skin needs hydration. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser.

4. Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30 or higher daily to protect the skin and prevent acne marks from darkening.

Evening Routine

1. Cleanse Again: Remove sweat, dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the day.

2. Treatment Products: Nighttime is ideal for acne treatments such as retinoids or spot treatments.

3. Moisturise: Keep the skin balanced and reduce irritation from active ingredients.

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Teen Skincare Bundles

Curated by our skin experts to target teenage skin including blemishes, these bundles offer an easy-to-follow routine.

The Ordinary 3-Step Routine – Blemish Control
The Ordinary 3-Step Routine – Blemish Control

$73.00 $80.00 9% offsaving
The Ordinary 3-Step Routine – Sensitive Skin (Worth £48.40)
The Ordinary 3-Step Routine – Sensitive Skin (Worth £48.40)

$103.00 $112.00 8% offsaving
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 236mlCetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 236ml
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 236ml

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is gentle enough for children, teens and adults.

$20.00 $24.00 17% offsaving
COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser TubeCOSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

$22.00 $37.00 41% offsaving
Cetaphil Daily Defence Cream SPF50+Cetaphil Daily Defence Cream SPF50+
Cetaphil Daily Defence Cream SPF50+

Maintain a hydrated complexion throughout the day and protect your skin from UV damage with the Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 50.

$33.00 $39.00 15% offsaving
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches outside their packaging COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch - 24 Patches
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch - 24 Patches

An easy to use hydrocolloid pimple patch that can be used overnight or under makeup to help treat blackheads and whiteheads.

$8.00 $14.00 43% offsaving
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner bottleCOSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

A clarifying toner made with AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate dull skin and remove dead skin cells for a clearer, brighter and smoother complexion.

$35.00 $49.00 29% offsaving
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion 236mlCetaphil Moisturising Lotion 236ml
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion 236ml

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion has been specifically formulated to soothe chronically dry skin.

$20.00 $24.00 17% offsaving

Our Skin Expert Kimberley Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions About Teenage Acne

What is the best thing to clear up teenage acne?

The most important piece of the puzzle when trying to clear up teen acne is consistency. This can be tough when you're trying to get a teenager to stick to a daily routine, so keeping it as simple as possible is suggested.

What is the best product to get rid of teenage acne?

An easy all-in-one product like the La Roche-Poday Effaclar Duo+M is a good option for a teen who is new to skincare - plus it works well for sensitive skin.

Is it normal for a 14-year-old to have acne?

It's very normal. At this age, a lot is going on hormonally, and during puberty, there is a significant increase in oil production in the skin. It's nothing to worry about, and worrying will only exacerbate the problem.

When does teen acne go away?

We normally see that teenage acne clears up around 17-18. However, some continue to struggle if the root cause is hormonal or acne runs in the family.

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Our Recommended Teenage Acne Routine

Buy CeraVe foaming cleanser

Step 1: Cleanse

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ Ultra Concentrated Serum

Step 2: Treat

Two Eucerin Dermopure products on a white background

Step 3: Moisturise

Step 3: Moisturise

Step 4: SPF

Buy CeraVe foaming cleanser
Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser for your teen.

Step 1: Cleanse

This gentle, fragrance free cleanser by CeraVe is super simple to use and effectively removes excess oil whilst keeping the skin hydrated. It is charged with niacinamide to help reduce redness and inflammation.

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La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+ Ultra Concentrated Serum

Step 2: Treat

An ultra-concentrated serum that targets breakouts and reduces the appearance of blemishes and imperfections.

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Two Eucerin Dermopure products on a white background

Step 3: Moisturise

Intensively soothe and moisturise the skin with Eucerin DermoPurifyer Adjunctive Soothing Cream 50ml, formulated with SymSitive and Licochalcone to help calm and soothe irritation including stinging and burning.

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Step 4: SPF

Step 4: SPF

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 has a unique oil-free dry touch texture. The formula contains advanced filters and a Bioshield System that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and IR-A (infrared radiation -A).

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Acne At Every Age

After decades of experience in the skincare industry, we know firsthand that breakouts are not limited to adolescence, and that effective, tailored skincare can support confidence and wellbeing through every stage of life. We are on a mission to normalise and address acne as a condition that can affect anyone, at any stage of life. We'll combine real stories from people across generations with expert advice and practical solutions to empower you to embrace your own skin journey. If you're struggling with acne, remember we're here to support you with lifelong, holistic skincare guidance that is always empathetic, inclusive and results-driven.

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Acne Guides

Acne is a common inflammatory skin conditon which occurs due to a build up of sebum in the pore. It can be very debilitating for your mental health and cause scarring if left untreated.

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