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When the bell rings, you want to arrive at school with a radiant, acne-free face. Here are a few tips to defeat acne and ensure a glowing back-to-school season!
Are pimples an inevitable part of adolescence?
Acne is a very common skin problem that can "mark" adolescence for some people. It affects around 90% of the adolescent population. While some people will occasionally notice a few mild pimples, others will see their face covered with typical skin lesions: blackheads, papules, pustules, and cysts. In the long term, acne lesions can cause skin damage that lasts into adulthood, including unsightly scars and scaly skin.
For more tips: Adults can also suffer from acne. Discover our articles Acne in adults: a quick look at skincare routines and Acne: take control! to regain healthy skin.
Why does acne appear in teenagers?
Juvenile acne, or teenage acne, is primarily the result of intense hormonal change. During puberty, the sebaceous glands (responsible for sebum production) become active under the influence of androgens (male hormones), which increase starting at age 10–12. This excess sebum production, combined with slower cell renewal, promotes the formation of blockages and bacterial proliferation.
Is it normal for a 14-year-old to have acne?
Between the ages of 12 and 16, increased androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands: acne most often appears around the age of 13–14. Some people get their first pimples as early as age 11, while others don't see them until a bit later. This variability is biological: it depends on the personal rhythm of puberty and the skin's sensitivity to hormones.
How long can teenage acne last?
For most teenagers, acne symptoms naturally subside between the ages of 17 and 19, when hormone levels stabilize.
Did you know? In 20-25% of young people, acne persists into their 20s and even beyond. This is sometimes referred to as prolonged juvenile acne. When lesions persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a professional (dermatologist or pharmacist) to avoid scarring and psychological symptoms.
What are the different types of acne?
Facial acne
Presence of open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (microcysts), without major inflammation.
Cystic acne
Severe forms, with deep, painful, often scarring cysts.
Hormonal acne
Linked to hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycle, contraception), generally localized on chin and jaw.
Papulopustular acne
Appearance of red papules and pustules (white heads), with visible inflammation.
What are the psychological consequences of acne?
As a teenager, physical appearance can be very important. For more vulnerable people, acne-prone skin can have psychological repercussions such as:
- shyness and excessive worrying;
- low self-esteem;
- withdrawal;
- relationship difficulties;
- anxiety or even depression.
How to get rid of teenage acne?
Here are a few everyday measures you can take to care for or prevent acne-prone skin.
Wash your skin
Wash your skin twice a day (morning and evening) with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser suited to your skin type. Avoid using conventional soap, which can irritate and unbalance your skin, leading to acne. Regular cleansing removes excess sebum from your skin's surface. Ask your pharmacist or cosmetician for advice on choosing a cleanser.
Avoid rubbing your skin
Avoid rubbing your skin when cleansing. Lather the product all over your face, rinse thoroughly and pat dry gently with a towel.
Hydrate your skin
Daily moisturizing helps prevent and control acne. Use a quality non-comedogenic product for oily skin. Dehydrated skin increases sebum production, making acne worse.
Protect your skin from the sun
Many people are unaware that excessive or simply unprotected exposure to the sun's rays can worsen acne. This is why it is important to protect yourself as much as possible by taking measures such as staying in the shade, wearing a hat or cap, and avoiding exposure when the sun is at its strongest (e.g., between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Good to know: The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to apply a high-quality sunscreen suited to your skin type before each exposure. During the summer months, daily use of such a product is recommended. Our article What should you look for in sunscreen? can help you make the right choice.
Choosing and dosing your products
Use a light touch when applying makeup. Use non-comedogenic, oil-free products. Ask your cosmetician for advice on choosing your makeup products. Use alcohol-free aftershave products to avoid drying out your skin.
Tip: Do you have sensitive skin and are you developing acne? Don't panic, we've got the solution to find the right skincare routine that respects your skin's sensitivity. Check out our article What is the best anti-acne routine? and you’ll be all set!
What is the best product for teenage acne?
When you have acne, it is best not to wait for it to disappear on its own. Attacking it head-on can yield interesting results in the short term and, above all, prevent complications. Too many people let their acne problem go and later regret not having dealt with it when they should have.
Medications for mild acne
For treating mild acne, choose over-the-counter formulas containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%) or salicylic acid (0.5–2%). These molecules gently exfoliate, regulate sebum and have an antibacterial action. Regular use (4 to 8 weeks) is required to see an improvement.
Treating moderate to severe acne
In some cases, acne treatment requires consultation with a family doctor or dermatologist, healthcare professionals who can prescribe medication.
Tips: Whatever the product, apply it as advised by your pharmacist. The trick is to be patient. Acne doesn't go away overnight, so give it time. Sticking to a regular regimen, combined with a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, sleep, and stress management), will maximize results.
Teenage acne is almost unavoidable, but by adopting good habits you can limit pimples and their impact on your morale. If acne persists, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional or your doctor. The sooner you act, the less likely you are to be left with scars.
