A Guide to Effective and Safe Acne Treatment During Adolescence

Hello, adolescence is the stage when the skin undergoes the most significant changes, making acne breakouts very common. The doctor understands that this can affect self-confidence, emotional well-being, and daily activities. Therefore, in this article, the doctor will explain why acne is so common during puberty and provide guidance on how to treat acne during adolescence safely, professionally, and appropriately for developing skin.

Why Is Acne Common During Adolescence?

Adolescence is a period when hormone levels increase significantly, especially androgen hormones. These hormonal changes cause the sebaceous glands to become overactive, resulting in increased oil production. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells and dirt, pores become clogged—creating an ideal environment for Cutibacterium acnes bacteria to grow and trigger inflammation.

In addition to hormonal factors, common adolescent habits such as touching the face frequently, staying up late, consuming sugary foods and oily fried foods, exercising and sweating without properly cleansing the skin afterward can also worsen acne. This explains why some individuals develop only minor blackheads, while others experience persistent cystic acne and inflammatory red lesions.

Understanding these mechanisms helps ensure that treatment follows the correct direction and prevents the use of inappropriate products that could worsen acne.

Safe and Effective Acne Treatment During Adolescence

Acne treatment during adolescence requires a balance between effectiveness and safety because the skin is still sensitive and not yet fully stabilized. The doctor recommends treatment protocols based on the severity of the condition as follows:

• Blackheads and Whiteheads (Non-Inflammatory Acne):

Priority should be given to BHA (salicylic acid) to deeply cleanse pores, combined with low-concentration retinoids to reduce the formation of new acne lesions. Professional acne extraction every 2–4 weeks helps keep the skin clear without causing damage.

• Inflammatory Red Acne and Pustules:

When inflammation is present, antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics should be added. In cases of severe inflammation, the doctor may prescribe a short course of oral antibiotics to reduce swelling quickly.

• Cystic Acne and Nodular Acne:

This is a severe form of acne with a high risk of atrophic scarring. Doctors often combine oral medication with advanced treatment procedures (blue light therapy, anti-inflammatory laser treatment, and transdermal drug delivery) to rapidly control inflammation and prevent pigmentation and scarring.

• Important Note:

Adolescents should never extract acne at home, especially inflammatory acne or cystic acne. Improper extraction techniques can spread the infection, deepen inflammation, and cause permanent atrophic scars.

The protocol for treating acne during adolescence should be personalized for each individual because every person has different levels of oil production, skin sensitivity, and hormonal activity.

How to Prevent Acne During Adolescence

Prevention is just as important as treatment, especially for teenage skin that is highly prone to pore congestion. Below are habits that doctors encourage adolescents to maintain:

• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle facial cleanser; do not use body soap on facial skin.
• Moisturize adequately, even if you have oily skin, to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• Limit sugary foods, carbonated beverages, and fried foods, as they can increase oil production and inflammation.
• Avoid staying up late, as inadequate sleep impairs skin regeneration and can worsen acne.
• Wash face towels and pillowcases regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Cleanse the skin immediately after sweating (after playing soccer, running, wearing a helmet, etc.).

These habits can significantly reduce acne, even before medication is introduced.

If you are experiencing severe acne, inflammatory acne, or persistent breakouts that do not improve, the doctor recommends visiting Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital for a comprehensive skin evaluation. There, doctors will develop a personalized adolescent acne treatment plan based on the severity of your skin condition, helping improve the skin safely while minimizing the risk of pigmentation and scarring.