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Top 9 Best Acne Treatments for Teens

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated July 29, 2024

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Acne is a skin condition which occurs in most teenagers and may continue even in adult hood. It can be frustrating trying to manage and can hold quite the toll on self-image. Luckily, there are various forms of acne treatments out there.

There is a vast array of diverse products which can be used in treating acne. Cleansers, spot treatments as well as moisturizers are the most frequently used products among the users. All the types of product function differently and some may be more efficacious than the other depending with the extent of the acne.

To find out the best acne treatments for teens we devoted a lot of time to research and select the most effective ones. In the subsequent sections of this post, we will be identifying the best acne treatment for teens and why they should be preferred by everyone.

Top 3 Best Acne Treatments for Teens

  1. Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit
  2. S Raw Science Anti-Acne Supplements
  3. Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment

Skin issues such as acne, are generally common among teenagers in the puberty stage. It is quite irritating and could be a source of shame sometimes, although fortunately there are a lot of controllable ways. The products on this list are designed to impact a wide range of acne.

Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit 2.0

Editor's Choice

Neutralyze Acne Treatment Kit 2. 0! effectively fights persistent acne with the help of Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology that is its major advantage but it is rather expensive. It is recommended for people with sensitive skin to use the it carefully.

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If you are in need of a strong, effect acne solution, then there is the Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit 2. 0 could very well be the answer that you are looking for. This acne skin care system is recommended by dermatologists and it’s clinically tested on individuals with moderate to severe acne it achieved 95% effectiveness rating.

Pros

  • Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology is another fascinating feature of the brand in the battle against acne. This multiple patented technology enhances skin grain to get rid of acne viably.
  • The kit contains a 90+ day supply of Neutralyze’s 3 step system: The mug which will be given consists of the following: Face Wash (5 oz), Clearing Serum (1. 5 oz) & Synergyzer (1. 5 oz) which implies that the company will not produce the mug if it has to make more products in the long run.
  • Enriched with medical grade effective ingredients such as, 2% salicylic acid (BHA) and mandelic acid (AHA) Neutralyze mild exfoliates the skin and helps in clearing skin blotchiness. What it means is that apart from treating your acne, it will also bleach the skin and even out the skin tone.

Cons

  • The kit is a bit expensive.
  • Some users complained of experiencing dryness and irritation.

We were quite satisfied with the result of the Neutralyze Moderate To Severe Acne Treatment Kit 2. 0. This clearing our acne fast and effectively with Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology improving the healing property and process. This is quite expensive, but if you are suffering from severe acne this is the best kit to buy since it deals with severe acne.

It is essential to mention that when using this products, you may be prone to dry skin hence, sensitive skins should exercise more caution while using this product. In summary, this is a product we could heartily recommend to anybody seeking to get rid of the acne ailment.

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Transform your skin and make acne a thing of the past with the brand new Supplements from Raw Science Anti-Acne Supplements to all the hormonal/cystic acne sufferers out there, especially the teenage population. These pills have clinically been tested, aiming right at the sources of acne, therefore providing a holistic solution for men, women and teenagers.

Made meticulously to perfection Raw Science is the best solution for clearing acne using natural elements. The formula addresses the matter of hormonal issues as one of the primary causes of the acne in teens, while creating a custom treatment for the skin issues that teenagers go through.

Pros

  • It controls hormone levels, which are the cause of continuous skin problems in teenagers.
  • It helps protect you from these hard-to-remove stains that could leave a better and healthier complexion.
  • Due to our facilities, you can expect to find effective yet all-encompassing solutions.

Cons

  • Results may vary from one person to the other.
  • Some users may experience different outcomes.

We had a great chance to witness the changes that can occur with the help of Raw Science Anti-Acne Supplements for the first time. This is especially true with hormonal and cystic acne as we noted a significant improvement in the cases of breakouts. The pills are easily integrated into everyday practices for skincare, which can prove to be quite beneficial for teenagers.

At Raw Science, the safety of the product is important which is why every batch is tested before hitting the market. These are supplements for men, women and teenagers and is a ray of hope for those going through the rigorous exercise of teenage skin care.

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Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment is one of the best and safest treatment for different ages and skin types if you’re in the search for an acne solution.

Pros

  • This is the first acne kit that kick started the most crucial skincare regime that people are using today.
  • 3 simple steps a day are all you need to be on your way to an improved clear skin.
  • The face wash, treatments, and moisturizers are suitable to eliminate current pimples and prevent new ones from forming.

Cons

  • Some users complained of experiencing slight flaking, some dryness, and irritation in the early days.
  • The product is not eligible for international shipping.

Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment is a product that we have personally tried and have seen it to effective for treating acne. It penetrates into the dermis layer of skin, cleanses, and even reduces possibilities of future outbreaks. The cleanser, toner and the treatment cream are simple to use and the skin feels freshly washed after application.

The Renewing Cleanser is a cleansing face wash that is suitable for acne prone skin because it helps to shed the dead skin cells and nasties on your face. The Revitalizing Toner aids in the neutralization of your skin’s pH and in the further elimination of any dirt. The Repairing Treatment is the first acne treatment cream that effectively accumulates the benzoyl peroxide finely in your skin pores to stop the acne causing bacteria and prevent formation of new pimples.

During the first week of this Proactiv acne treatment, your skin is kind of getting used to the treatment. As you will discover in the early days there will be a certain amount of dryness and slightly flakey skin as well as a certain amount of irritation will be observed. This is totally normal. , as any acne care treatment, you should apply the sunscreen of 30 SPF and above daily.

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We recommend the AcneFree 3 Step 24 Hour Acne Treatment Kit for any person who is in the desperate need of an effective treatment for their acne problems.

Pros

  • The kit includes three products that work together to combat acne: The three specific products are the Oil-Free Acne Cleanser, Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner and finally the Oil Free Acne Lotion.
  • Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide along with effective natural ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera work and show improvements in three days.
  • The kit is helpful for mild to severe acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Cons

  • Not recommended to individuals with sensitive skin.
  • The kit may not work for everyone.

The Oil-Free Acne Cleanser washes off excess oils, dirt and the Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner prevents the skin from becoming too alkaline, the Oil Free Acne Lotion treats the skin with Benzoyl Peroxide. These three products are useful in ensuring that one gets rid of the existing pimples and also ensure that they do not develop others.

After trying the very kit, we realized that the application was equally easy and within the shortest time of about four days, we began to observe the changes. Although, there was a bit of peeling when we ran out of the products, then had to try them out again without waiting for the specified period of time.

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For cystic acne especially in teenagers we strongly recommend the Paradise Emerald Cystic Acne Spot Treatment. It efficiently clears up cystic, hormonal and severe acne.

Pros

  • The new redesign of a bottle enables the cream to be in use for a longer time before it gets dry.
  • It has a natural and gentle approach that gives your skin salicylic acid, tea tree oil, aloe Vera, and many other natural active ingredients that manage acne when it is gentle on your skin and also controls oil production.
  • The cream prevents formation of new acne and, at the same time, treating the existing one(s).

Cons

  • Some users find the strong smell to be unpleasant.
  • Not recommended to all types of acne.

We have used Paradise Emerald Cystic Acne Spot Treatment for a few weeks now and skin changes are evident. Especially this cream looks attractive easy to apply and fast acting, within minutes of the application it will be easily absorbed into the skin. The new appearance of the bottle is more appealing to us because the cream is no more dry. The natural and gentle touches the skin nicely and has not harmed it in any way because it is made for sensitive skin.

We encourage the use of the cream in the directed manner to apply it heavily on the acne and intent to wash it off after night. It is advised not to apply it on larger area of the skin and also do not apply it on the skin around the eyes. We apply it once in a day and preferably it should not be within 4 hours of the last application and it does help in minimizing the occurrences of acne.

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For those who need a good product for fighting acne and looking for a fast solution as well, CIZ Acne Spot Treatment would be the best choice.

Pros

  • Due to its specific action on cystic acne this treatment minimizes swelling, redness, and pain from deep and painful nodules.
  • The combination of ingredients recommended by the dermatologist will help to eradicate existing acne and to prevent formation of the new ones: salicylic acid and tea-tree oil.
  • This hormonal acne spot treatment is effective in providing relief for hormonal acne.

Cons

  • Some users find the medicinal smell to be unpleasant.
  • Not recommended to all skin types.

In the past few weeks, we have been using the CIZ Acne Spot Treatment and our skin surely prove noticeable changes. This formula is rather mild in its approach yet potent in its functionality and is capable of treating both the run-rate and hormonal/cystic acne that may prove to be persistent. The rapid acne spot treatment minimizes and clears acne spots within reducing the rough skin on the face leaving the skin clean without the spots.

This product comes in a fairy large bottle and despite the fact that this lotion is quite expensive it will definitely last you a long time since you will not need much of it to cover your skin. It works with non-acnegenic makeup and applies effortlessly and is rapidly absorbed without leaving the skin with oily feeling.

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We highly recommend the CIZ Back Acne Treatment Spray as efficient and gentle treatment for the difficult problem of back acne.

Pros

  • The dermatological powerful formula is composed of salicylic acid 2% and plant extracts that enables it to be readily absorbed as it addresses back acne efficient and explicitly.
  • This leave-on spray effectively peels, hydrates and heals the skin, it also balances the secretion of sebum to minimize future pimples.
  • It has no fragrance and paraben that will surely irritate the skin thus has clean ingredients for the proper handling of body acne.

Cons

  • Results take time to be noticeable.
  • Some users find the spray bottle to be less convenient.

The CIZ Back Acne Treatment Spray was pretty impressive as it can provide direct application to the back area, where many people develop acne. The mysterious herbal lotion, with 2% of salicylic acid and extracts of several plants, shown its good result in the decrease of sebum and acne and the softness of our skin. Also, the leave-on spray not only scrubbed, nourished, and healed the skin but also controlled secretion of sebum to minimize the formation of pimples in the future. This was free from any fragrances and parabens to avoid any skin irritation to our sensitive skin as well as availing natural ingredients for the treatment of body acne.

When applied, the skin might have a feeling of stickiness; however, it does absorb into the skin and is not uneasy. Moderate to severe back acne may take several weeks to be effectively treated with the wedges, but the improvement felt so good. While not the most convenient for some users, it convenient for us, and we liked that it enabled one to target some sections of our back. In conclusion, the CIZ Back Acne Treatment Spray can be deemed as one very effective and mild solution that can be obtained for treating severe back acne.

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We recommend YAFUSIPE Acne Treatment Gel to all teenagers who want effective acne remedy and the gel that may be suitable for any type of skin.

Pros

  • The natural plant components in the acne gel assist in gradually eradicating pimple acne, acne spot and cystic acne, and in avoiding the formation of other acne.
  • The acne gel has plant extracts such as salicylic acid, and sodium hyaluronate which will easily get into the skin and give noticeable results in a short span.
  • It has no devastating ingredient to harm your skin and it can suit all kind of skin. It gets deep into the skin pores, washes the skin, and prevent the formation or acne or pimples.

Cons

  • Results take time to be noticeable.
  • Some users may experience a mild tingling sensation upon application.

This newly developed YAFUSIPE Acne Treatment Gel easy to apply. We suggest you apply it once a day, preferably in the morning or before bedtime, while for the severe instances, apply the product twice a day. If during the use of acne spot treatment salicylic acid you encountered some difficulties you can always address to the manufacturer to get the help immediately.

Oveall, YAFUSIPE Acne Treatment Gel would a good option for teenagers who need an efficient acne therapeutic solution without causing any harm to skin. It is convenient to use, universal, and has extracts of plants that can easily get through the skin layer and work wonders in a rather short time.

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We recommend buying the GRAMRIGHT Acne Pills for teens as well as adults desiring for a natural supplement to fight acne.

Pros

  • The supplement has all-natural ingredients
  • Supports skin health from the inside out
  • Helps prevent future breakouts

Cons

  • Results take time to be noticeable
  • May not work for severe acne cases

GRAMRIGHT Acne Pills is scientifically formulated: containing minerals, vitamins, Niacinamide, Biotin, Vitex, Probiotics that support the alteration of skin microbiome, lessening the breakouts, redness and discoloration. Finally, the product’s usability was also considered to be great since the consumption of only Two to Six capsules is required daily to maintain the health of your skin.

Applying it daily helped to enhance the general tone and texture of skin we were using the product on. The GRAMRIGHT Acne Pills played a part in cleansing the acne causing toxins out of our bodies and at the same time nourishing our skin to attain luminous skin. It was also quite good to realize the pills assist in avoiding the future acne episodes.

However, we found that it will take some time for you to experience improvement or benefits, and using it daily is necessary. It also should be mentioned that the utilization of the pills is ineffective in the case of severe acne.

Buying Guide

Active Ingredients

When it comes to acne, one of the most essential aspects you have to take into consideration is the active agents. Also, identify product ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinoids for the best results. These are some of the components that are known to help in eradicating acne as well as preventing the future occurrence of this skin condition.

Skin Type

The selection of the acne treatment should be made depending on the skin type of the person using it. There are certain things that you should try to avoid when it comes to the skin products; especially if you have oily skin, try and go for oil-free and non-comedogenic products. For those with dry and sensitive skin, it is advised that only mild soaps and those that are rich in moisturizers are used.

Formulation

The acne treatments can be in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and serums to mention but a few. Never be in a hurry to choose which formulation would be best for you. For instance, if the skin type is oily, then the preference will be a gel or lotion rather than cream.

Price

The cost of treating acne is relatively low to high depending on the type of remedy to be used. Think about the sizes of your budget and select a product which you can afford. Remember that purchasing costly goods does not mean they will be effective all the time than cheap ones.

Reviews

Before making a purchase, first check some of the feedback from other people on the product’s effectiveness. For this reason, make sure to look for the reviews of people with similar skin type and problems similar to acne like yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective acne treatments for teenagers?

There are many options in acne treatment for teenagers among which there are topical creams and gels, oral medications, and light therapy. The topical treatments that are used at five o’clock central include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Such antibiotics and isotretinoin are also prescribed orally by the dermatologist.

What are some natural remedies for teenage acne?

There are natural treatments for acne which can be used by teenagers such as using of tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe vera. These can be given orally and can also be used as creams which are to be applied directly to the site of the boils. One must remember that, while natural treatments are safe and obviously beneficial, they are often not as powerful as the chemist drugs, and may not help each time since every person is unique.

Are there any specific diets that can help with teenage acne?

There is no special diet to eradicate the acne problem completely, although some research indicates that a diet free from some particular foods may help decrease the facial skin disease; such foods include junk foods high in sugars, white refined flour-based products, and processed foods but with high levels of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The health of our skin really should not be taken lightly for this reason it is always advised that one should eat well and lead a healthy life.

Can children as young as 10 years old use acne treatments?

Acne can emerge as early as at the age of 10 and still, there is no problem with children using acne treatments. There is always a need for proper advice from a dermatologist before starting any treatment to avoid any complications that may be as a result of their age or skin type.

What acne products are recommended by dermatologists for teenagers?

There are a number of acne products available that a dermatologist can prescribe for teens, these depend on the intensity of the acne problem and the skins sensitivity. Some of the typical tips include topical creams and gels, which are stronger than the over the counter products, medicines tablets such as antibiotics or isotretinoin, and the bulbs that emit light. There are general rules that stem from the dermatologist visit and it is necessary to adhere to them in addition to coming for a follow up in case one is required.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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