Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting about 50 million Americans annually. For teens, it often feels like they’re the only ones going through it.
Breakouts don’t just show up on their skin; they can take a toll on self-esteem, confidence, and even social life. Some teens deal with the occasional blemish, while others experience more persistent or severe acne that can leave behind physical and emotional scars.
At NP2GO, we know that every teen’s skin is unique, which means treatment should be, too. That’s why we provide personalized acne care for patients ages 10 and up, available both virtually and in-office. Our goal is to help your teen find a plan that works for their skin type, lifestyle, and needs, whether that involves at-home care guidance, prescription options, or advanced treatments.
What Is Teen Acne?
Acne is one of the most common dermatological conditions affecting teenagers, which usually appears throughout puberty when hormone levels fluctuate. Acne develops when oil in your skin absorbs bacteria and dead skin cells. The oil gets to your pores, the openings to your hair follicles.
For many teenagers, this results in whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and painful nodules or cysts in more extreme situations. Acne tends to occur more commonly on the face, chest, and upper back because these areas produce more oil.
Common Types of Teenage Acne
Not all acne looks the same. Knowing the different types can help you and your teen know when it’s time to seek professional care. Acne can range from small, surface-level bumps to deep, painful lesions. Here are the most common types seen in teenagers:
Blackheads
Blackheads appear as tiny dark dots on the skin’s surface. They form when a pore is clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Because the pore remains open, the material inside is exposed to air and turns dark through oxidation, not because of dirt.
Blackheads are common on the nose, forehead, and chin, and they can be managed by a consistent skincare routine, such as exfoliation to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads also respond well to topical treatments like salicylic acid or retinoids.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are small, flesh-colored or white bumps that occur when pores are completely blocked. Unlike blackheads, the clogged pore stays closed at the surface, trapping oil and skin cells beneath. Whiteheads can be stubborn and may persist even with good skincare. Picking or squeezing them can worsen inflammation, so targeted acne treatments are usually needed to clear them.
Papules
Papules are raised, red bumps that develop when clogged pores become inflamed or infected. Unlike whiteheads or blackheads, papules don’t contain pus, but they can be sore and tender to the touch. They can be treated by combating inflammation using over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a mixture of both.
Pustules
Pustules look similar to papules but are filled with pus. They often have a white or yellow center surrounded by a red, inflamed base. These are the classic pimples that many teens experience during breakouts. While pustules are common, frequent or widespread pustules can indicate moderate acne that may benefit from professional care.
Nodules
Nodules are large, firm, and painful lumps that form deep beneath the skin. They don’t usually come to the surface or develop a visible head. Because nodules last for weeks and can damage skin tissue, they carry a higher risk of scarring. Over-the-counter products usually aren’t effective for nodules, making prescription medications or in-office treatments necessary.
Cystic acne
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. These are deep, pus-filled, painful lesions that often cluster together and can spread across large areas of the face, chest, or back. Cysts are highly prone to leaving permanent scars if untreated. This type of acne almost always requires medical intervention, such as oral medications, advanced topical therapies, or dermatology-based procedures.
What Causes Teen Acne?
Teen acne can be caused by several factors, including:
Hormones changes
During puberty, the body produces higher levels of androgens (male hormones present in both boys and girls). These hormones stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, leading to increased oil production. Excess oil makes it easier for pores to become clogged, which is why acne often first appears in the teenage years.
Excess oil (sebum)
Sebum is the natural oil your skin makes to keep it soft and protected. In teens, oil glands often go into overdrive, producing more oil than the skin needs. Extra sebum mixes with dead skin cells, making pores sticky and prone to clogging. This is the first step toward blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Clogged pores
The skin naturally sheds thousands of dead cells every day. Normally, these cells come off without issue, but sometimes they get stuck inside pores. When mixed with oil, this forms a plug that blocks the pore. Once a pore is blocked, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation, leading to visible acne.
Bacteria
The skin is home to many kinds of bacteria, and most are harmless. But when Cutibacterium acnes gets trapped in clogged pores, it multiplies quickly. The immune system responds to this overgrowth by creating redness, swelling, and pain, turning small bumps into inflamed pimples.
Genetics and family history
Acne can also be genetic. If one or both parents struggled with acne, there’s a higher chance their teen will, too. Family history influences how active oil glands are and how the skin reacts to bacteria and inflammation.
Medications and other triggers
Some prescription medicines, like corticosteroids, lithium, or certain seizure drugs, can trigger drug-induced acne as a side effect.
Oily hair products, thick sunscreens, or greasy skincare products can also worsen acne if they block pores. This is why dermatologists recommend using non-comedogenic products, which are less likely to clog pores.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
Besides hormones and genetics, daily habits and surroundings can make a big difference in teen skin health. Diet plays a role, as foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products may raise insulin levels, which can stimulate oil production. While diet alone doesn’t cause acne, many teens notice that reducing soda, processed snacks, or excess dairy can help calm flare-ups.
Stress is another common trigger. It doesn’t directly cause acne, but when stress levels rise, such as before exams or major events, the body produces more cortisol, a hormone that stimulates oil glands. This added oil can make existing acne worse or bring on new breakouts.
Skincare and hygiene routines also have a significant impact. Using heavy creams, oily makeup, or forgetting to remove makeup at night can clog pores, while harsh scrubbing and overwashing strip the skin of its natural balance, often making acne harder to control. A gentle, consistent routine with non-comedogenic products is usually the most effective approach.
Sports and physical activity add another layer. Sweat itself isn’t harmful, but when it combines with oil, dirt, and the friction of helmets, straps, or backpacks, pores can become blocked. This is why breakouts often appear on the forehead, chin, back, and shoulders, a type of acne sometimes called sports acne or acne mechanica.
How to Treat Teen Acne
At-home care
The first line of defense against teen acne is a consistent skincare routine. A simple, step-by-step approach helps keep pores clear, oil under control, and breakouts less frequent. That routine could include:
Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove dirt, oil, sweat, and makeup. Choose products labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they won’t clog pores. Check for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, which can help fight bacteria and work well for oily skin, and salicylic acid, which is often better for sensitive skin since it gently unclogs pores.
Treat: After cleansing, apply a treatment product to target active breakouts. This might be an over-the-counter spot treatment or a serum with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Moisturize: Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to balance the skin barrier and prevent dryness or irritation from acne products.
Sun protection: In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Many acne medications make skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily SPF is a must.
Exfoliate: Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and improve texture. Avoid harsh scrubs, which can irritate acne and worsen inflammation.
Mask: Adding a clay mask or soothing, hydrating mask once or twice a week can give your skin an extra boost, helping to control oil or calm irritation.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
When breakouts are mild to moderate, many teens can find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) products. These treatments are widely available at drugstores and can be a helpful first step before moving to prescription care. The key is knowing which ingredients to look for and how to use them correctly.
Benzoyl Peroxide: One of the most common acne-fighting ingredients, benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing oil. It comes in face washes, gels, and creams, with strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Stronger isn’t always better. Sometimes, lower strengths are just as effective with less irritation.
Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that gently unclogs pores by removing dead skin cells and excess oil. It’s especially useful for blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.
Sulfur: Often used in masks and spot treatments, sulfur absorbs oil and helps calm inflammation. It can be a good choice for sensitive skin that doesn’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide.
Because OTC products can cause dryness or irritation at first, it’s best to start slowly, using them a few days a week before working up to daily application. And remember, consistency is key. If there’s little to no improvement after a few months, that’s the time to explore professional treatment for teen acne.
Professional Treatment for Teen Acne
If you don’t see results with over-the-counter products, prescription treatments can make a big difference. These medications are stronger, targeted, and often necessary for moderate to severe acne. At NP2GO’s Teen Skin Clinic, our providers create personalized therapy plans based on each teen’s skin type, acne severity, and overall health.
Topical antibiotics: These reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation. Examples include Clindamycin or Dapsone. They’re often combined with other ingredients, such as niacinamide or tretinoin, to maximize effectiveness and prevent resistance.
Topical retinoids: Retinoids increase cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and help fade dark spots left behind by acne. They can be powerful but may irritate at first, which is why starting slow is important.
Combination gels: Some of the most effective treatments use more than one active ingredient. For example, at NP2GO, we offer compounded gels like Acne Ultra Gel (Clindamycin, Niacinamide, and Tretinoin) or Acne Extreme Gel (Clindamycin, Dapsone, Niacinamide, and Tretinoin). These customized blends target bacteria, inflammation, and clogged pores all at once.
Oral medications: For more stubborn or widespread acne, we may prescribe oral treatments. Common options include:
- Doxycycline or other antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Oral capsules with ingredients like azelaic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants to support skin health from within.
- In some cases, we may recommend hormonal treatments for teens with acne linked to hormonal fluctuations.
With NP2GO, prescriptions are reviewed by a licensed provider starting with a $49 virtual consultation. Teens 10 and older are eligible, and parents or guardians must be present for those under 18. Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door in discreet packaging, and follow-up visits every three months help ensure progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Acne
How long does it take for acne treatment to work?
Most treatments take at least 6–12 weeks to show noticeable improvement. Early flare-ups can happen, especially with retinoids, but sticking to the plan usually leads to clearer skin.
Can diet really make acne worse?
Diet isn’t the only factor, but studies suggest that foods high in sugar, refined carbs, and dairy may trigger breakouts in some teens. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods can support healthier skin.
Is it okay to pop pimples?
It’s best to avoid popping or squeezing pimples. This can push bacteria deeper into the skin, cause more inflammation, and increase the risk of scarring. Instead, use a spot treatment or see a provider for safe extractions.
When should we see a professional for acne?
If acne is painful, leaving scars, or not improving after about three months of consistent at-home care, it’s time to seek professional help. NP2GO’s Teen Skin Clinic makes it easy with affordable virtual consultations and prescription-strength options.
Do teens need moisturizer if they have oily skin?
Yes! Skipping moisturizer can actually make acne worse because dry skin triggers the glands to produce more oil. The key is choosing a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic formula.
Treat Your Teen Acne Today at our NP2GO Clinic
At NP2GO, we believe your teen deserves confident, healthy skin. Acne doesn’t have to control your teen’s confidence or self-esteem. Our board-certified dermatologists provide more than just quick fixes; we create a treatment plan tailored to your teen’s needs, aiming for glowing, radiant skin.
Our virtual consultations start at only $49, making it simple and affordable to get started.
Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door, saving time and hassle, and our providers are here every step of the way with ongoing support and follow-ups every three months. Teens 10 and older are welcome, and parents or guardians can easily join visits for younger patients.
Whether your teen struggles with mild blackheads or painful cystic acne, NP2GO offers solutions that work.
Book your teen’s acne consultation today and take the first step toward healthier skin.