How to Treat Teenage Acne? Identify 4 Common Types of Pimples + Choose Between Western and Chinese Treatments for Guaranteed Results!

During puberty, both boys and girls may face one of the biggest skin problems—troublesome acne. The hormonal fluctuations that come with adolescence often throw skin conditions off balance, making it easy to develop oily, acne-prone skin. If you don’t want to regret it after puberty, check out this article! Learn to identify the 4 major types of teenage acne and explore both Western and Chinese treatment options—you're sure to find a method for both prevention and treatment.

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How Does Teenage Acne Form?

Teenage acne, also known as pimples or spots, is more medically referred to as "acne vulgaris" when it becomes severe. Generally, "teenage acne" refers to pimples that appear during adolescence, whereas beyond puberty, they are referred to differently. Ultimately, acne is caused by changes in the adolescent body. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty lead to excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. The excess oil clogs pores, triggers bacterial infections, and inflames hair follicles, resulting in red, swollen pimples. If teens don’t actively treat their acne, the problem may worsen in adulthood. By then, it may be too late to reverse the damage, and other skin conditions caused by excess oil production may arise.

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Is Acne Only a Problem During Puberty?

Because it’s called “teenage acne,” does that mean only teenagers experience it? Absolutely not. While hormonal shifts during adolescence do make teens more prone to breakouts, acne can still appear at any age. Adults may even face more triggers—like chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns, and poor diet. If your skin isn’t well taken care of, acne can strike no matter your age.

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Can Untreated Acne Lead to Other Skin Issues?

Acne is closely linked to oil production by the sebaceous glands. If this issue isn’t addressed, it can lead to more serious skin problems. Teens who pick at pimples often develop deep acne scars or pitted marks. Milder issues include blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores, while more serious consequences include increased inflammation and red, swollen skin. So even if acne seems like a minor issue, teenagers especially should take skin care seriously—not just for appearance but for long-term skin health and confidence.

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5 Causes of Teenage Acne – It’s Also Related to This?

Cause 1: Significant hormonal changes

Puberty marks the beginning of bodily development, and hormonal fluctuations during this stage are the primary cause of acne breakouts. These changes are inevitable, as everyone needs to go through hormonal transitions to develop reproductive capability. While we visibly notice physical development, internal changes are happening too. Though we can’t see hormonal imbalance with our eyes, it often reveals itself on our face through acne.

Cause 2: Excess oil production

Overactive sebaceous glands aren't always the result of hormones—some people are born with oily skin, inheriting the trait from their parents. When puberty hits, oily skin tends to produce even more sebum. Excess oil clogs the pores, and if the secretions are not clean, they can inflame the hair follicles and form acne.

Cause 3: Irregular sleep habits

Teenagers often resist parental control, especially during rebellious phases, and may develop the habit of staying up late. In fact, staying up late has become a trend among youth. Peer influence and the urge to go against authority can foster this unhealthy lifestyle. Constant sleep deprivation means the body misses out on its optimal detox period, affecting not just the skin but the entire body. While young bodies might tolerate it better, the buildup of toxins over time can harm overall health.

Cause 4: The bad habit of popping pimples

If you’re in the habit of squeezing pimples, it’s time to stop! Popping them with bare hands not only fails to improve the skin but can worsen inflammation by introducing bacteria from your hands. This is why acne often worsens or recurs after being squeezed and can leave unsightly marks or scars. If a pimple is truly bothersome, consult a professional at a beauty salon who can extract it using sterile tools and proper technique.

Cause 5: Accumulated stress

Everyone experiences stress—teenagers included. Academic pressure can be overwhelming, even if adults often downplay their struggles. Mental health should never be ignored, especially in young people. Emotional stress can cause skin and muscles to tense up, inhibiting detox and leading to breakouts. Suppressed emotions also reduce a teen’s sense of well-being and may lead to self-destructive thoughts. Parents should pay attention to both the physical and mental development of their children to ensure they grow up healthy.

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4 Common Types of Teenage Acne – Which One Are You? Find the Right Treatment!

Type 1: Comedonal Acne (Whiteheads & Blackheads)

This is the most basic form of acne. It includes blackheads, whiteheads, and closed comedones. Some may argue these aren’t real acne, but they are in fact the result of abnormal oil production. Although comedones might not look as severe as inflamed pimples, they are still the result of clogged pores. Whiteheads are closed comedones, while blackheads are open comedones that oxidize and turn dark when exposed to air. If left untreated, they can form clusters of bumpy debris on the skin.

Type 2: Papular Acne

Papules are small red or pink bumps and are the early stage of inflamed acne. They form when bacteria cause mild infections in the pores. If not treated properly, the inflammation can spread and develop into more severe forms of acne.

Type 3: Nodular Acne

Nodules are more severe than papules. They arise when infections spread deeper into the skin, forming hard, painful lumps. Often referred to as “stone acne” because of their hardness, these nodules usually contain pus and can cause significant damage if not treated. Squeezing them may cause recurrence and lead to deep, pitted scars.

Type 4: Pustular Acne

Pustules are another form of inflamed acne, characterized by red swollen bumps with white or yellow pus at the center. Many mistakenly believe these can be popped at home, but improper handling can lead to deep scarring and uneven skin texture—similar to the surface of the moon.

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Different Acne Locations Reflect Different Health Issues?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is covered in acupressure points and meridians—including the face. So the location of acne can indicate which internal organ may be under stress.

• Forehead: May indicate excess liver heat, poor liver function, or emotional suppression.
• Nose: Could signal digestive or lung-related issues.
• Left cheek: Often due to poor blood circulation.
• Right cheek: Usually linked to lung heat.
• Around the lips: May reflect slow bowel movement or a taxed liver from poor diet.
• Chin: In males, possibly due to high androgen levels; in females, it may point to hormonal imbalance or weak uterine function.

Even teenagers should pay attention to these warning signs and consider regular health checkups.

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4 Doctor-Recommended Acne Treatments – Oral Medication Works Best?

Treatment 1: Oral antibiotics

Antibiotics are one of the milder Western medicine approaches. Common types include tetracyclines. These medications help regulate the immune system and stimulate gut movement to expel toxins. However, they often increase light sensitivity, so sun exposure should be avoided during treatment.

Treatment 2: Isotretinoin (Vitamin A Acid)

Often prescribed by dermatologists, isotretinoin (A acid) comes in both topical and oral forms. The oral form is especially effective at reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores and inflammation. Though highly effective, it’s not suitable for everyone—especially not for pregnant women or those with liver issues.

Treatment 3: Anti-androgen medications (for females only)

Since acne is closely linked to hormones, some women are prescribed medications that lower androgen levels. However, these medications carry certain risks and are not prescribed lightly—especially for teens.

Treatment 4: Topical acne creams

Dermatologists often prescribe topical treatments alongside oral medication. Some of these creams may be too harsh for sensitive skin, so it’s best to consult your doctor and confirm the ingredients before applying them to acne-prone areas.

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Natural Acne Remedies: 3 TCM Acne Treatments You Can Try!

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture doesn’t involve needling the pimples directly but rather targets specific skincare-related acupoints such as Yangbai and Quanliao. Stimulating these points can help reduce acne.

2. Diet therapy

For those open to TCM dietary approaches, this method avoids potential side effects of Western drugs. Prescriptions vary by individual, but most practitioners recommend “cooling” foods like bitter melon and lotus seeds with the core intact to reduce internal heat.

3. Herbal poultices

If you’re not comfortable with needles or diet therapy, herbal poultices are a great non-invasive option. Though each practitioner may use a different formula, these treatments often have a strong herbal aroma that takes getting used to.

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Fix These 4 Skincare Habits to Double Your Acne-Fighting Power!

1. Choose a gentle cleanser

Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine. For teens, it’s crucial to choose a cleanser that’s not too harsh. A strong cleanser won’t wash away acne—it may actually irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin. Gentle formulas help prevent further inflammation.

2. Prioritize hydration

Hydration is key to healthy skin. Keeping the skin plump with water and collagen helps it resist inflammation. Starting good moisturizing habits early in life can also slow down signs of aging and regulate oil-water balance.

3. Soothing and Anti-inflammatory

One of the most important steps in acne treatment is soothing and reducing inflammation. You can use anti-inflammatory ointments or occasionally apply a soothing toner for calming the skin. A few minutes of wet compressing can effectively reduce the raised acne.

4. Sunscreen Protection

Sunscreen is essential for everyone, regardless of age or gender! Not only does sunscreen provide antioxidant protection to the skin, but it also helps prevent the loss of moisture and collagen in the skin. Proper sun protection in youth can prevent acne from worsening and scarring. Therefore, regularly applying sunscreen or carrying an umbrella can significantly reduce the chances of acne forming.

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Perfect Medical Acne Treatment: Effortlessly Eliminate Teenage Acne and Maintain Perfect Skin!

Teenage acne can be tough to manage. Are there any quick, simple, and effective solutions to eliminate acne? We recommend Perfect Medical's Acne Treatment, which not only clears up pimples but also eliminates annoying blackheads, closed comedones, and acne scars. It’s suitable for both teens and adults!

The Perfect Medical Acne Treatment utilizes dual-spiral suction drainage technology. It first clears away all the oils attached to the skin and then uses vacuum exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and old, flaky layers. While dissolving oils, it also unclogs pores and deeply cleanses the skin. Following this, medical-grade hydrating serums are infused to improve skin’s water-oil balance, activate collagen production, and enhance skin's repair ability. Say goodbye to acne-prone skin once and for all!

The Perfect Medical Acne Treatment is painless and non-invasive, ideal for teens. Since it is a non-invasive procedure, it leaves no scars. After the treatment, our professional team will follow up to ensure that there are no skin issues arising from the treatment. Register now for a free professional skin analysis, along with a complimentary Perfect Medical Acne Treatment. Like our Facebook page and receive a whitening and hydrating mask as a bonus! Limited spots available, first come, first served!