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How to choose acne products for your tween and teen

Published: July 23, 2024 |7 minute read

Written by: Shanté Honeycutt

A tween carefully applies an acne serum to the breakout on their cheek.

When acne strikes for the first time, it can be unexpected! Your tween or teen might search the internet and social media to find tips on how to make it go away, but sometimes this can just make matters worse. For those who are new to cuidado de la piel, it's best to start with a simple skin care routine for tweens to help manage acne. Let's explore some acne products for your teen's skin care.

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Understanding tween and teen acne

Acne pops up when the skin’s pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.1  While acne can happen at any age, adolescent acne begins at the onset of puberty, sometimes as early as 10 years old.2 As the body changes and hormones rise, it’s a very normal part of the preteen and teenage experience.

Still, that does not make acne any less uncomfortable or affect a teen’s sense of confidence any less.

Signs and symptoms of tween and teen acne

When the skin produces excess oil, this can result in blemishes like pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cysts.3 Let’s learn about each of these types of acne:

  • Blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are open pores, while whiteheads are closed skin pores. These types of acne are caused when dead skin or oil clogs the hair follicle or skin pore.4
  • Pimples. Pimples are small, red bumps on the skin. These pus-filled bumps are caused by a combination of inflammation and clogged pores.5
  • Cystic or nodular acne. This type of inflammatory acne causes pus-filled pimples underneath the skin. It's more severe than small pimples and it can be painful to the touch.6

Products for tween and teen acne

For children under age 12, it’s good to begin these skin care habits early.7 Serious acne is likely not a problem yet, so less is more when it comes to starting a skin care routine for tweens. Consider products that are hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and fragrance-free.8

A basic acne care routine can include cleansing, treatment, sun protection and moisturizer.9 Generally, it’s recommended that tweens and teens wash their faces twice daily with a gentle cleanser.10 In the morning, they can follow up cleansing with an acne treatment as needed — a light moisturizer and SPF 30 or higher. In the evening, it's suggested to use a limpiador facial,  acne treatment and moisturizer.11

Limpiadores

When evaluating cleansers for your tween or teen with acne, you may want to consider products that are labeled as oil-free and noncomedogenic.12 These labels can help you identify cleansers that will gently cleanse and avoid clogging pores.

Another thing to consider is commonly used active ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient that reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin and may be found in a variety of products, including cleansers and creams. Other common acne-fighting ingredients include salicylic acid and azelaic acid.13

Some facial cleansers include CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin y Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Wash.

Parches

Patches are adhesive stickers that are applied directly to a pimple. They are commonly made of hydrocolloid, which is a gel-forming material that's also used to treat wounds. Hydrocolloid patches absorb oil and pus from pimples while helping reduce their size and appearance.14 These patches can be a helpful way to keep hands off pimples. They are best worn overnight, but they can also be used for a few hours throughout the day. Other patches may include active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil.15

Some pimple patch products include Starface Hydro-Stars Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches y Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original - Parche para el acné.

Tratamientos

There are a variety of topical acne treatments available, including retinoids, gels and antibiotics. Consulting a dermatologist can help you ensure your tween or teen is receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.16

One topical option includes adapalene, which is a nonprescription retinoid that can be used to treat acne.17

Por ejemplo, Differin - Gel — which is a topical adapalene gel that was developed by dermatologists and targets breakouts at the source while restoring skin texture — helps reduce inflammation to prevent future pimples, blackheads and clogged pores.

Hidratantes

Even though your tween or teen may want to skip moisturizer if they have oily skin, they should still apply a light moisturizer or gel to keep the skin hydrated.18 If your tween or teen has combination skin or an oily T-zone, they can moisturize the dry spots and skip the oily areas, such as the forehead, nose and chin.19

Some acne friendly moisturizers for tweens and teens include Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion y Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer.

Hidratantes con FPS

If your tween or teen is reluctant to the idea of skin care, simplify their routine by going for a 2-in-1 moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher.20

Some lightweight moisturizing SPF products include CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 y Sun Bum Daily SPF Face Lotion, SPF 50.

Tween and teen skin care tips

Managing acne requires patience, consistency and care. Encourage your tween or teen to stick to their routine with a few best practices to keep in mind:

  • Talk with your tween or teen about keeping their routine minimal.
  • Support them with gentle reminders to keep up with the routine to see results.21
  • Let them know to use the products as directed by the label, unless advised otherwise by a medical professional.
  • Recommend they keep their hands and hair off the face and avoid picking at acne.
  • Encourage them to be gentle with their skin as tweens typically do not need heavy exfoliation and shouldn’t rub the skin too harshly.22
  • Kindly remind them that they don't have to overdo their skin care routine. Washing the face twice a day is usually sufficient, especially after activity and at night.

While this new phase in life can be daunting, your child does not have to go through it alone. Remind them that almost everyone experiences acne as a tween or teen, even their friends! We've all been there, so validate their concerns and let them know it's normal.

Be sure to speak with a health care provider before trying anything new. If your tween or teen’s current regimen is no longer enough, it may be time to consult with a professional. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit a MinuteClinic® at CVS® near you. Once your tween or teen expresses discomfort, you can help ease their troubles by seeking out timely and professional assistance.

Preguntas frecuentes

What causes acne in teens?

Acne in teenagers primarily arises from hormonal changes during puberty. As adolescents undergo hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in androgens, the sebaceous glands in the skin become more active, leading to an overproduction of oil.23 This excess oil production, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog pores, resulting in the formation of acne lesions like pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.24 Genetics also play a significant role in acne susceptibility.25 Teens with a family history of acne are more likely to experience it themselves.

How do you get help rid of teen acne?

Helping to get rid of teen acne often involves a combination of skin care practices, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes medical interventions.26 Some strategies include cleansing regularly, using noncomedogenic products, moisturizing, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress and staying hydrated. Always speak with your health care provider before starting any supplement or treatment and if acne persists after trying over-the-counter (OTC) methods and products, consult a dermatologist to seek further treatment.

How can teens prevent acne?

Preventing acne in teenagers involves adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses various factors contributing to its development. Some strategies for teens to support healthy skin include establishing a consistent skin care routine that involves a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, avoiding touching the face, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, practicing good hygiene and protecting the skin with SPF 30 or greater.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.