Teen Skin 101: What Actually Works (and What to Skip)

Simple, dermatologist-approved skincare for teens, from Dr. Faranak Kamangar, MD, FAAD, Board Certified Dermatologist

Acne Is Common, but It Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Acne affects most teenagers at some point. It’s easy to wait and hope it clears up on its own, but untreated acne can leave permanent scars, both on the skin and on how a teen feels about themselves. Breakouts can affect confidence, social life, and self-esteem at an age when those things matter a lot.

Seeing a board-certified dermatologist early is the best way to prevent scarring and get acne under control before it leaves a lasting mark.

The Only Two True Cures for Acne

Many products can calm breakouts for a while. Only two treatments target acne at its source and can offer long-term clearance:

Isotretinoin (Accutane): An oral medication that shrinks the skin’s oil glands. A single course can lead to lasting remission for many patients. It requires close monitoring by your dermatologist.

AviClear Laser: The first FDA-cleared laser for mild to severe acne. It targets and reduces the oil glands that drive breakouts, with no daily pills and minimal downtime. (FDA-cleared for patients 16 and older.) Learn More ->

Not sure which is right for you? A dermatologist consultation can help you determine a treatment plan.

The Teen Skincare Routine That Actually Matters

Healthy skin doesn’t need a 10-step routine. It needs the basics that you can commit to every day.

Cleanse daily. Use a gentle cleanser every evening to wash off the dirt, oil, sweat, and sunscreen from the day.

Change your pillowcase often. A dirty pillowcase holds oil, bacteria, and hair products that can clog pores. Swap it out at least once or twice a week.

Moisturize. Even oily and acne-prone skin needs hydration. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

Wear sunscreen every day. Choose SPF 30 or higher and look for “non-comedogenic” on the label, which means it won’t clog pores. If your skin is oily, try a gel or powder sunscreen for a lighter, matte finish.

A Word About the Teen Skincare Craze

Social media and brands are heavily targeting teens right now, and shelves are full of serums, acids, and “glow” products marketed to younger and younger buyers. More isn’t better for teen skin.

Layering too many active ingredients (like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C) can irritate and damage young skin, causing redness, dryness, and even more breakouts. Many of these products also contain fragrances and essential oils that raise the risk of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that can be hard to sort out once it starts.

The bottom line: Keep it simple. Cleanse, moisturize, protect, and leave the rest to your dermatologist.

Ready to Take Control of Your Skin?

If acne is affecting your skin or your confidence, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with Dr. Kamangar at Kamangar Dermatology, 555 Middlefield Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto.

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Kamangar Dermatology

www.kamangardermatology.com

555 Middlefield Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Kamangar Dermatology

www.kamangardermatology.com

555 Middlefield Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Kamangar Dermatology

www.kamangardermatology.com

555 Middlefield Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94301.