Dermatologists recommend foam-based cleansers for those with oily and acne-prone skin.Kara Birnbaum / NBC
From balancing schoolwork to dealing with dizzying hormone changes, the teenage experience is filled with obstacles. Perhaps the most common and frustrating of them all are frequent breakouts.
Acne affects an estimated 80% of people between ages 11 and 30 at some point in their lives, according to The National Institutes for Health. This can take a toll on teens’ self-esteem: Adolescents and young adults who suffer from acne have higher rates of anxiety and depression, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
If you suffer from breakouts, don’t get discouraged: While acne can be one of the more anxiety-inducing parts of being a teenager, most cases are entirely curable, says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. I spoke to dermatologists about how to treat teen breakouts and the best acne-fighting ingredients to look for. I also compiled experts’ top picks for the best acne facial cleansers and spot treatments to shop, along with products NBC Select staffers used and loved as teens.
How I picked the best teen acne treatments
When treating teen acne, my experts recommend looking for the following ingredients and skin care products to include in your everyday skin care routine:
- Face cleansers: Look for a face wash labeled noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or lead to more breakouts. Your daily face wash should include ingredients like salicylic acid (an exfoliant that removes dead skin and unclogs pores) and benzoyl peroxide (a topical antiseptic that kills acne-causing bacteria), experts say. However, these ingredients may come with some side effects, including irritated and flaky, dry skin. You should use them only a couple of times a week to start and gradually increase use as your skin adjusts, says Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
- Spot treatments: These help target a specific pimple and should be applied directly on the breakout, never to your entire face, experts say. Similar to an acne-fighting cleanser, look for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For more stubborn cystic acne, you should consider a retinoid like adapalene, which is available over-the-counter and helps unclog pores and regulate cell turnover, according to dermatologists I spoke to.
- Retinoids: Retinoids derive from vitamin A and are a popular acne treatment for all ages. Both prescription retinoids (like tretinoin and tazarotene) and OTC options (like adapalene) help unclog pores and get rid of dead skin by increasing cell turnover, experts say. Keep in mind retinoids can be irritating and drying, especially if you have sensitive skin. Introduce them slowly and start by applying them only once a week, says Gohara. (More on retinoids below.)
- Gentle exfoliants: Even though teen skin tends to regularly self-exfoliate, you can still use non-abrasive chemical exfoliants to get rid of breakouts. These include alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic and lactic acid) and salicylic acid. Steer clear of harsh scrubs, which can worsen acne and inflammation. Like retinoids, exfoliants can be irritating and drying, so incorporate them slowly into your routine.
Best treatments for teen acne
Below, I gathered expert-recommended face washes, spot treatments, retinoids, pimple patches and more that can help improve teen acne. All of the following acne products are noncomedogenic and include gentle or acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene.
