10 Best Acne Treatments For Teens That Work

1. Best Oil-Free Formula: Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment 

This is an extremely effective gel for spot treatment and severe acne. It helps to dissolve the surface oil on the skin. Once the oil is cleared, the clinically proven acne medication in this gel penetrates the skin pores and starts clearing the acne or pimple. It contains 2% salicylic acid (maximum strength) that helps reduce the pimple size, swelling, and redness without drying your skin. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review. Pros

Contains 2% salicylic acid (maximum strength for OTC products) Paraben-free Sulfate-free Contains witch hazel Oil-free formula Prevents scarring Suitable for oily and combination skin Not too drying

Cons

Is a bit strong for sensitive skin (consult a dermatologist)

2. Best For All Skin Types: Tree Activ Acne Eliminating Face Cleanser 

This face wash contains a blend of sulfur and activated charcoal. These two components work as natural exfoliants that refine the skin pores and deeply cleanse them. It also contains peppermint essential oil that helps the skin control oil production. It also helps reduce acne as it has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that fight inflammation and redness. Note: This product contains peppermint essential oil. Do an allergy test/patch test before using it. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Mineral oil-free Formaldehyde-free No harmful chemicals Contains natural ingredients Visible results and improvements

Cons

Expensive

3. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: NxN Acne Edit System

The Acne Edit System is an entire acne range by NxN. It is made using their Acne Edit Complex that contains advanced natural extracts, probiotics, and proven acne fighters like salicylic acid, willow bark, and witch hazel extracts. It also contains green tea extracts to soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. The Acne Edit System consists of a cleanser, a toner, a spot treatment, and an overnight treatment for taking care of your acne. Pros

Recommended and tested by dermatologists Cruelty-free Gluten-free Organic ingredients Naturally extracted fragrance (no synthetic fragrances) Hypoallergenic Not tested on animals Paraben-free Sulfate-free Affordable

Cons

Less quantity. May last only a month

4. Best Affordable Option: Keeva Organics Acne Treatment Cream

This is an anti-acne face cream and contains tea tree essential oil, one of the potent acne-fighting ingredients. It has a potent formula, which is a blend of sesame, olive, rosehip seed oils, and milk thistle extract. This formula has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help reduce inflammation and prevent blemishes by killing bacteria in the skin pores. It also helps to balance oil production and prevent future breakouts. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product. Note: It might give you a mild tingling sensation, which is common. Also, do a patch test as it contains essential oils. Tea tree oil may not give the same results for all. Pros

Contains natural ingredients Paraben-free Sulfate-free No harmful chemicals

Cons

Expensive

5. Best In Easy-To-Use: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads

These treatment pads are easy to use. They help clear breakouts fast and also prevent any further breakouts. These are soft, oil-free acne pads developed with MicroClear Technology that dissolve oil and help deliver acne-fighting ingredients (salicylic acid) deep into the pores. This helps reduce the pimple size, swelling, and redness associated with the breakout. Pros

Oil-free Non-comedogenic Dries out pimple/acne fast Visible and quick result

Cons

Contains alcohol denat (dries skin quickly, so use cautiously just on the affected area)

6. Best Dermatologist-Developed Acne Treatment: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 

The Differin Gel contains the Retinoid adapalene. This medicine is a potent anti-acne agent and was first available only with a doctor’s prescription. However, now it is available as an OTC medicine, so it is the first over-the-counter active ingredient (topical retinoid) that you can use. It helps prevent breakouts, including acne, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It also reduces the chances of getting blemishes and keeps the skin pores clean. It helps to restore skin tone and texture by clearing acne. Note: Consult the doctor before using it. It might be strong for some. Also, apply it only on the acne. Pros

FDA-approved Dermatologist-developed Quick results Clears acne fast

Cons

Contains parabens

7. Best Gentle Formula: Exposed Skin Care Facial Cleanser

This face cleanser contains skin-clearing ingredients and is a special formulation of AHAs and BHAs along with olive leaf extract. It contains salicylic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and sage extracts that help clear skin pores, regulate oil production, and prevent dryness and irritation. It is a rich but gentle face cleanser that prevents blemishes caused by acne. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free No harmful chemicals Helps to reduce blackheads

Cons

Can be drying, follow up with a moisturizer

8. Best For Blackheads: Acne Free Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Face Scrub

When it is about cleaning the skin pores, scrubbing really helps. This scrub contains 2% salicylic acid that helps to clean the pores thoroughly and prevent acne. It also helps to remove blackheads, tighten the skin pores, and keep the skin blemish-free. Note: Use with caution and once or twice a week. Over-exfoliation worsens acne. Pros

Contains charcoal extracts No synthetic fragrances Dermatologist recommended ingredients No irritation Improves skin texture

Cons None

9. Best Lightweight Formula: Touch Acne Treatment Gel

This acne gel contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel, which is an effective remedy for acne. It provides fast-acting acne treatment without causing dryness and irritation. It is a lightweight gel and can be used for face and body acne. It helps to prevent future breakouts and reduces redness. Pros

Made in FDA-inspected facility Cruelty-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free No fragrance No synthetic color

Cons

May take time to show results for stubborn acne

10. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Amire Drying Lotion 

The brand claims this product to be “overnight acne drying” treatment. It is a spot treatment lotion that reduces the appearance of acne and whiteheads.  If you have severe acne, this product might help. It contains acne-fighting super-ingredients, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, camphor, and zinc oxide, that quickly dry the applicated area. It helps reduce redness, inflammation, and pain caused by acne and breakouts. Pros

Formulated in FDA registered laboratory Never tested on animals Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free No harmful chemicals Non-irritating

Cons

Might leave a thin residue on the skin

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach and loves to help her readers find the right skincare products. She understands that acne is a grave concern among teenagers, so she researched to make a list of the best acne treatments for teens. These listed products are a must-have as they can soothe inflammation and limit your acne. Why are teenagers more prone to acne breakouts? It is mostly because of the increase in androgen levels during puberty that teenagers get breakouts. Can you do anything about teenage acne? Yes. Stress is a common reason for acne flare-ups in teenagers. Therefore, managing stress is essential to control breakouts. Also, the increase in the level of androgen causes acne. Use OTC or prescription anti-acne products to treat acne, as they help clear the trapped dirt, sebum, and grime while regulating the oil balance in your skin. How can I help my teenage daughter with acne? Ask your teenage daughter to use OTC acne products rich in benzoyl peroxide. Make her wash the face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove any dirt and buildup from pores. Is teenage acne curable? Yes. Teenager acne is treatable. When should I see a doctor for teenage acne? Consult a doctor when your acne is painful, leaving scars, or affecting your mental health. What foods cause teenage acne? Foods rich in high sugar and carbohydrates may cause teenage acne. Also, consuming too much processed food develops those irritating zits all over your face.

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