How to Care for Teenage Acne: What to Avoid and What Really Helped Me

Introduction

Teen acne care is something almost every teenager worries about at some point. I was no exception—dealing with breakouts during my teens was a real struggle.

During adolescence, the sebaceous glands in areas like the face, neck, back, and chest become more active. When these glands start producing more oil, it may easily lead to acne. That’s why breakouts are so common during the teenage years.

However, adult acne tends to appear more frequently in women than in men. For many young women who care about their appearance, this can be a major concern.
When acne becomes bothersome, it’s easy to keep touching or picking at it—and that often leads to scarring.

Today, I’d like to share five things you should avoid when acne shows up. I will also offer some practical skincare tips for teen acne care.

Main Content

Things to Avoid When You Have Acne For Teenager

1. Don’t Blame Yourself for Getting Acne

Teen acne care isn’t always caused by poor skincare or bad habits. Some people are simply more prone to it due to their body type or genetics.

In fact, acne can run in families. A 2002 article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests that acne may have a possible connection to X-linked traits. (The exact citation is not provided here). Since women have two X chromosomes, they may be more likely to experience breakouts than men.

Back in my teenage years, I used to blame myself a lot whenever I had acne. But over time, I realized that some things—like genetics—are simply beyond our control. If you’re going through the same thing, please don’t be too hard on yourself.

2. Don’t Lose Confidence or Avoid Social Life Because of Acne

Teen acne care doesn’t just affect your skin—it can impact your emotions and everyday life. Some people find it hard to face others or even look in the mirror when breakouts get bad. They become self-conscious and start losing confidence.

Some individuals with acne reported higher emotional distress. This is according to a 2010 study mentioned in the British Journal of Dermatology (exact reference not included). This was compared to those managing conditions like diabetes or arthritis.

It’s completely natural to feel this way, and you don’t need to pretend everything’s okay. But from my own experience, I’d say this: don’t isolate yourself or hide away. Talk to someone you trust—friends, family, anyone. Remind yourself that you have so many strengths beyond what’s visible on your skin.

3. Don’t Forcefully Squeeze Pimples

Back in my teenage years, I used to squeeze my breakouts whenever they looked swollen or filled. It wasn’t until later that I realized how harmful that habit was.

While it may not cause serious issues if done carefully and hygienically. When a pimple is fully matured, forcing it before it’s ready can lead to problems. Constantly touching and picking at it can also be problematic. It may damage the surrounding skin and increase the risk of scarring. In some cases, the inflammation can even spread, making the acne worse in nearby areas.

4. Don’t Wash Your Face Too Often

When I had acne, I felt like I had to keep my skin extra clean. That led to a habit of washing my face too frequently and too aggressively. But scrubbing too hard or washing too often can actually make things worse. It may irritate your skin and cause inflammation to spread.

Keeping your skin clean is important, but it should be done gently. Use a soft towel or a gentle cleansing brush. Don’t rub your face roughly. Washing your face 2 to 3 times a day is usually enough. Anything more than that might do more harm than good.

5. Don’t Delay Getting Help or Rely Only on Self-Treatment

If you get an occasional pimple, it’s usually fine to manage it on your own. But if the breakouts are widespread or getting worse, it’s better to talk to a professional. Many people delay going to the clinic because they think acne is a common issue. But the longer you wait, the harder it can be to manage the symptoms. In my experience, getting support early made a big difference. There’s no need to go through it all alone.

Back then, I was young and didn’t really understand much. I often skipped my medication and didn’t apply the prescribed ointment properly. Sometimes I was busy. Other times, I just felt too lazy. But looking back, I realize that was not the right approach. If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, the treatment may not work as well. It’s important to stay consistent and take care of your skin with patience and commitment.

Teenage Acne Care: Based on My Own Experience and Treatment

1. Cleansing Routine Part

How Often to Wash:
Gently wash your face twice a day using lukewarm water.
Washing too frequently or scrubbing too hard can damage your skin barrier.

Choosing the Right Cleanser:
Use a cleanser that’s suitable for acne-prone skin.
Water-based cleansers are often recommended for acne-prone skin, but results can vary depending on individual skin type.

How to Wash Properly:
Wash with lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly with running water.
Make sure to remove all residue gently without rubbing too harshly.

2. Moisturizing the Skin Part

• Choosing a Moisturizer:
Go for a lightweight, hydrating product rather than one that feels heavy or oily.
Keeping your skin from becoming dry is an important part of acne care.

• When to Moisturize: It’s best to apply moisturizer right after cleansing. This helps lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.

• Using Sunscreen:
Whenever you go outside, apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Some people find that sun exposure may lead to longer-lasting marks after acne. So using sunscreen regularly may help reduce the chance of lingering marks.

3. Stress Relief Part

• Managing Stress:
Stress can increase oil production, which may make acne worse.
Remember to get enough rest while taking care of your skin. It’s also important to find healthy ways to relieve stress, like exercising or enjoying a hobby.

4. Sleeping Part

• Sleep Duration:
Getting enough sleep is often considered important for healthy skin.
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and allow your body time to rest and recover.

5. Healthy Eating Habits Part

• Nutrient Intake:
A balanced diet and staying well-hydrated can support better skin health.
It’s also a good idea to limit fast food, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine.

6. Acne Treatment Part

• Professional Consultation:
If your acne becomes severe, consider talking to a skincare professional.
Getting guidance early may help you understand and manage your skin condition better.

Extra Tips

• From what I’ve seen—and personally experienced—teenage acne is often just a natural part of growing up.
How it’s managed can vary depending on your skin type and daily habits.

• The skincare advice shared here is general and may not work the same for everyone.

• If needed, consider speaking with a dermatologist to find a routine that suits your individual skin condition.

Conclusion

Acne can feel frustrating, especially during your teenage years when so much is already changing. I know from experience how it can affect your mood. But please remember: acne doesn’t define who you are. With the right habits and mindset, things can and do improve. You don’t need to be perfect—just kind to yourself.

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If you’ve ever struggled with acne like I did. Feel free to share your story or ask questions in the comments.

Also looking for ways to care for your pores at home? Read more about what worked for me here.