Tips for looking after teenage acne and spot-prone skin

June 13, 2024
5 min read

It may feel like you’re the only person in the world who suffers, but acne is incredibly common, with around 95% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 being affected to some degree.

That’s why it’s important that we start normalising acne and skin texture by showing real people and real skin. We are all likely to experience breakouts at some point in our lives – it’s all part of being human!

Still, we understand that teenage acne can be the bane of these angst-ridden years and it tends to be most bothersome in the peak puberty years. For girls, it tends to be worse around ages 14-17 and for boys between ages 16-19.

Just because it’s common, doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can be done to alleviate it. Developing a teenage skincare routine that is both gentle and natural is really important. Here, we look at the best skincare for oily teenage skin and share the top tips on how to minimize acne.

Life beneath the surface of teenage skin

Acne is most common on the face, but some will experience it on the back and chest too.

During puberty there are huge changes in hormone levels. These changing amounts of hormones can cause the sebum (oil) producing glands to become quite overactive. At the same time, a typically harmless skin bacterium loves these new conditions and the result is inflammation and minor infections.

In case that’s not enough for your skin to be dealing with, the hormones also cause the lining of each hair follicle to become thicker which can block the pores. It’s quite a recipe for breakouts!

There are lots of myths doing the rounds about acne. One myth we definitely need to banish is that acne is solely a result of cleanliness. It’s not – the biggest issue is hormones.

However, we do know that if your skin is having a tough time with hormonal changes, the overproduction of sebum needs a special approach to skincare.

Teenage acne tips

Whether you’re struggling with oily skin and breakouts, or acne has you in its grips, the trick is to develop a consistent and tailored skincare routine. The best skincare for oily teenage skin is gentle, natural and tackles the overproduction of sebum.

1. Wash, but not too often

When you have acne, it can be tempting to wash your face more frequently. It’s important to wash your face regularly, morning and night – but no more than that. Over-washing can actually irritate the skin and make your acne worse.

2. Remove your makeup carefully

Ensure that when you remove your makeup – which should be before bed, not the next morning – you do it gently and thoughtfully.

Opt for a gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup and any impurities that have built up on the skin throughout the day.

3. Pamper occasionally

A simple, consistent skincare routine works well for teenage skin. However, we know that every now and again, it’s nice to feel like you’re truly pampering yourself.

Gentle exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead dry skin that can block the pores, making breakouts happen. Choose a natural exfoliator that’s designed for oily skin.

Our Herbal Blend Coffee Face Scrub contains tea tree oil, helping to fight infections and inflammation. The product is also infused with antibacterial and antiseptic rosemary oil and antibacterial and antimicrobial thyme oil.

How to use: Apply scrub to damp face in gentle circular motions. Leave for a few moments, rinse with warm water and pat dry. YouTube Video.

How often to use: two to three times per week

Using a clarifying face mask helps to gently detoxify the skin and combat bacteria. Our Kaolin Clay Face Mask works to calm skin and reduce redness.

This detoxifying face mask is made with the finely-ground powder of discarded olive stones, a natural by-product of the olive oil industry and a powerful anti-inflammatory.

How to use: Apply to damp skin in a thin layer and relax for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water or a damp cloth to reveal fresh, cleansed skin. YouTube Video.

How often to use: two to three times per week

4. Resist the squeeze!

It can be tempting to get rid of any visible pus by squeezing your spots. However, if you can, it’s really important to try to resist this urge. Squeezing can make the individual spot worse, spread the infection to other pores, and may even leave you with scarring.

5. Showers and hair washing

Exercise is great for your wellbeing and boosts your mood. However, as soon as you’re done, hop in the shower so that the sweat doesn’t have a chance to irritate your acne.

Wash your hair regularly with products that are infused with natural cleansing ingredients like lavender oil and grapefruit oil to leave your hair feeling fresh and voluminous!

This is important because the oils from your hair can transfer to your skin, typically in the forehead area, especially if you’re touching it often.

6. Food and drink

Try to reduce the amount of processed and sugary foods you eat while prioritising antioxidant-rich foods to your diet. Blueberries, kidney beans, almonds and avocado can all help reduce inflammation so are great to incorporate.

At the same time, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water regularly. Aim to drink at least two litres every day.

7. Get a little bit of natural sunlight

Just a very quick sit in the sunshine of around 15 minutes each day can do wonders for acne-prone skin. Not only will you boost your vitamin D levels, which are important for growing teenage bones, but it can also help to dry out the oil on your face. Don’t stay in the direct sun too long, and do wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

With the right skincare routine and products, you can help to clear teenage acne. Plus, it’s possible to do it in a vegan, cruelty-free way that’s just right for you.

Just remember that acne and breakouts are very normal parts of puberty – as annoying as they may be, it’s all part of the hormone-induced growing up process!

Skincare for teenage acne

Our Acne-Prone Skincare Bundle is perfect to help support teenage and acne-prone skin. It contains our top acne-fighting hero products and works to clear pores, while keeping blackheads at bay.

Included, you’ll find:

Shop our full collection at UpCircle.