AP classes, new roommates, rushing a sorority, and…BREAKOUTS. No one wants to face back-to-school festivities with less-than-clear skin. But of course, this can be when breakouts flare up most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While products for teen acne have come a long way, the harrowing emotions surrounding it have not. We asked the following experts to provide real-world perspective on why breakouts flare-up during back to school, and how to get rid of acne to re-gain confidence and control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Roberta Del Campo<\/strong>, board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Skin Laundry<\/a>, and proud mom of 3 boys \u201cBreakouts have many triggers and several factors can contribute\u2014including hormonal changes\u2014with the stress hormone cortisol commonly playing a role in teen acne,\u201d Del Campo says. \u201cWhether stress from excitement or stress from nerves, it\u2019s not the only culprit. \u201cDirt, oil, and debris can also build up over a long day at school, while sports equipment (like helmets, chin pads, or occlusive clothing) can block pores.\u201d Cucchiara also notes that, \u201cBack to school often means increased stress, which can trigger excess oil production. Then there’s the constant contact with surfaces like phones and dirty hands. Add in heat, sweat, and long school days, and you\u2019ve got a recipe for clogged pores and inflammation,\u201d Cucchiara tells us. The functionality of teen skin is different than an adults, and that impacts treatment. For example, an adult with acne may be more prone to sensitivity and resistant to traditional treatments, whereas teen skin may be able to tolerate more intense topicals and can respond more rapidly to treatment. But that doesn\u2019t mean to get aggressive: balance and consistency are key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cucchiara shares her tried-and-true ingredients for treating teen acne: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re seeing more teens dabble in retinols and anti-aging formulas thanks to TikTok trends,” Cucchiara says. \u201cRetinoids can be helpful for acne, but they\u2019re potent, and not every teen needs them. Unless prescribed by a dermatologist, it\u2019s best to avoid anti-aging products and stick with ingredients designed for acne-prone skin.\u201d \u00a0 For example, Del Campo recommends that all teens use a mineral sunblock (yes, sunscreens are preventative which makes them fall under the anti-aging category). “A simple regimen tailored to your skin type\u2014including adequate sun protection\u2014is essential.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuilding skin confidence helps build overall confidence,\u201d Del Campo says. \u201cSeek out teen acne professional treatments like laser facials, resurfacing technology, and gentle peels that not only help heal active breakouts at a dermal level, but also target signs of past breakouts to make skin clearer, smoother and brighter.\u201d Del Campo recently helped develop Skin Laundry’s Teen Acne Program:<\/a> a medically backed treatment protocol that gets teens and their skin on the path to long-term skin health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth: You don\u2019t need moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin<\/strong> Myth: Sunscreen makes acne worse<\/strong>
Stephanie Cucchiara<\/strong>, Medical Esthetician at Seaside Skin Care<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBut first, a quick lesson on acne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acne is the most common skin condition in teens, and it is more common in boys than girls <\/li>\n\n\n\nWhy does teen acne flare up when returning to school?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One or all of these factors can trigger one of the main causes of acne: clogged pores. \u201cClogged pores develop into whiteheads and blackheads and ultimately pustules once bacteria is introduced. In addition, when school starts, teens\u2019 daily routines often shift, leaving them less attuned to their skin\u2019s needs which can trigger this cycle of breakouts.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s acne or an acne imitator like folliculitis (prompted by excessive rubbing our touching of skin, wearing tight clothes, or shaving dry skin) each type requires a different level of care. \u201cBut the goal is always the same: calm the skin, clear the breakouts, and build confidence,\u201d Cucchiara says. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAre there any specific acne-clearing or acne-preventing ingredients for teens?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Does retinol treat acne?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Del Campo agrees: \u201cI am not in favor of \u2018anti-aging\u2019 products for teens, as this trend can lead to using formulas that aren\u2019t appropriate for younger skin. However, I do support products that maintain skin health\u2014some of which also fall into the \u2018anti-aging\u2019 category.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs there anything beyond topical treatments that can help treat and clear teen acne?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are some teen acne tips or myths you’d love to debunk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Truth: \u201cSkipping moisturizer can actually lead to more oil production and irritation,\u201d Cucchiara says. \u201cLook for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without clogging pores.\u201d Del Campo adds, \u201cAll teens should use a moisturizer suited to their skin type, as this keeps the skin barrier intact and sealed (especially when using a retinoid).\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth: \u2018The right sunscreen protects skin from damage and helps prevent dark spots from healing breakouts. Choose an oil-free, mineral-based SPF designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n