This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on September 10, 2026.

It's that time of year again: back-to-school season. As if life wasn't already stressful enough with soccer practice, early mornings, and homework—throw in acne flare-ups, and you've got yourself a classic teenage meltdown.

Quick science lesson: acne is a common skin condition that occurs when a hair follicle becomes blocked with oil and dead skin, forming what's known as a comedone. When blocked pores become infected, this can lead to inflamed papules and pustules that carry a risk of scarring. Enter: extra freak-outs.

As the parent in this ever-so-fun situation, how do you know when it's time to book a dermatologist appointment? Before you make the call, assess the severity of your teen's acne:

• Moderate to Severe Teenage Acne: If they have multiple, consistent papules and comedones, any noticeable scarring, little relief from over-the-counter acne products, or lowered self-esteem as a result of their acne, it's time to see a dermatologist for treatment.
• Mild Teenage Acne: If your teen has mostly comedones with the occasional papule, along with weeks where their skin is clearer and shows no signs of scarring, starting with a few over-the-counter acne products may significantly minimize their breakouts.

If your teen falls into the "mild acne" category, the most important thing to remember when starting a skincare routine is to keep it simple and straightforward. Teens have a lot on their plate these days—between studying, sports, friends, and navigating new responsibilities, adding one more thing to their to-do list can overwhelm them fast.

The good news is that a routine targeting breakouts doesn't need to be complicated to be effective. As a former dermatology nurse practitioner, here's what I almost always recommend when treating teenage acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers

While some question the safety of benzoyl peroxide, I personally feel it's a much safer alternative to long-term use of topical or oral antibiotics, which are also commonly used to treat acne. Unlike salicylic acid, which simply exfoliates and reduces oil, benzoyl peroxide directly fights P. acnes, the bacteria most commonly associated with breakouts. Salicylic acid can still help, but many studies have found benzoyl peroxide to be more effective in treating acne overall.

Look for a benzoyl peroxide cleanser formulated with hydrating or barrier-supporting ingredients, like ceramides, so it can reduce oil and fight acne-causing bacteria without over-drying or stripping the skin. A clay-based benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can double as a short-contact mask is another good option, and can make a meaningful difference for teens dealing with persistent breakouts.

Topical Treatments

A blend of exfoliating fruit acids, gluconolactone (PHA), and niacinamide, The Multitasker Night Serum doesn't just help prevent breakouts—it also lightly exfoliates, reduces inflammation, and fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind after a breakout. It also combines bearberry extract and licorice root extract, both of which have been shown to help with pigmentation. For these reasons, I'm a bigger fan of using a clarifying serum like this instead of relying on spot treatments alone.

Adapalene, a form of retinoid, is both proven to treat acne and help prevent future breakouts. It works to increase cell turnover and reduce inflammation, and tends to be better tolerated than many other retinoids. It can also be used alongside a clarifying serum like The Multitasker Night Serum, since the two contain different active ingredients and complement each other well. However, if any irritation occurs, they can easily be alternated every other night instead of layered.

Remind your teen to resist the urge to pick or squeeze pimples. Instead, keep hydrocolloid pimple patches on hand. These patches help draw out fluid and support healing, while also creating a physical barrier that keeps your teen from picking at the area—reducing the risk of making it worse or causing a scar.

A Few More Acne-Fighting Tips

Most likely, your teen plays a sport, which leads to sweating—especially if they're wearing a helmet. This type of acne is called occlusive acne, and it's very similar to acne aggravated by masks. To combat this, make sure your teen is washing their face after practice, regularly wiping out their helmet, and washing hats frequently.

Lastly, remind your teen to have realistic expectations while patiently waiting for their acne to improve. A good acne-fighting routine takes at least six to eight weeks, and often up to twelve, before a noticeable difference appears. Many teens will also notice their skin worsen around week two of a new routine—this is called skin purging, and it's completely normal. That's exactly why consistency matters, and consistency is easier to maintain with a simple, low-maintenance routine.

If you think your teen is dealing with more than mild acne, or you don't see improvement after six to eight weeks of over-the-counter products, consult a dermatologist. They can help put together a doctor-recommended plan before things get worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my teen's acne needs a dermatologist or can be managed at home?

Assess the severity first. Moderate to severe acne (multiple consistent papules and comedones, noticeable scarring, little relief from over-the-counter products, or lowered self-esteem) warrants a dermatologist visit. Mild acne, mostly comedones with occasional papules and stretches of clearer skin, can often be managed with a simple over-the-counter routine.

What causes teenage acne?

Acne develops when a hair follicle becomes blocked with oil and dead skin, forming a comedone. When blocked pores become infected, it can lead to inflamed papules and pustules, which carry a risk of scarring.

What's the most important thing to know about building a skincare routine for a teen?

Keep it simple. Teens already have a lot on their plate, so a low-maintenance routine is more likely to be followed consistently, and consistency is what actually drives results.

Is benzoyl peroxide safe for teens to use?

Generally, yes. It directly targets P. acnes, the bacteria most associated with breakouts, and is considered a safer long-term option than extended use of topical or oral antibiotics. Look for a formula that includes hydrating or barrier-supporting ingredients so it doesn't over-dry the skin.

How is benzoyl peroxide different from salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid exfoliates and reduces oil, which can help with breakouts, but benzoyl peroxide actively fights acne-causing bacteria. Many studies have found benzoyl peroxide to be more effective overall.

Can adapalene be used together with a clarifying serum like The Multitasker Night Serum?

Yes. Since they contain different active ingredients, they can complement each other well. If irritation occurs, they can be alternated on different nights instead of used together.

Should teens pop or pick at pimples?

No. Picking increases the risk of scarring and can make breakouts worse. Hydrocolloid pimple patches are a better option; they help draw out fluid, support healing, and create a physical barrier against picking.

Why does acne sometimes get worse before it gets better?

This is called skin purging, and it's common around week two of a new routine. It's a normal part of the process, not a sign the routine isn't working.

How long does it take to see results from an acne routine?

Typically six to eight weeks, sometimes up to twelve. Staying consistent is key, even if results aren't immediate.

What if a teen's acne doesn't improve with over-the-counter products?

If there's no improvement after six to eight weeks, or if the acne seems to fall into the moderate-to-severe category, it's time to consult a dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan.