Teenage Acne: Why Changing Skincare Products Isn't Always the Answer

If your teenager is struggling with acne, there's a good chance you've already tried a number of different skincare products.

Perhaps you've bought a new cleanser, tried a spot treatment, invested in a serum someone recommended or followed advice you've seen on social media.

And when nothing seems to make much difference, it's tempting to try something else.

After all, surely there's a product out there that will finally clear their skin?

But here's something worth understanding: constantly changing skincare products isn't necessarily going to improve teenage acne.

In fact, sometimes it can make managing their skin even more difficult.

The cycle of trying product after product

When acne appears, the natural reaction is to want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Teenagers can become particularly frustrated with their skin, especially when they're comparing themselves to friends or seeing images of clear skin all over social media.

They might start using products designed to dry out spots, introduce several active ingredients or follow a skincare routine they've seen online.

If they don't see results quickly, they assume the products aren't working and move on to something else.

Before long, they're using a completely different routine.

The problem is that their skin never really gets the opportunity to settle into a consistent routine, and they may end up using products that aren't suitable for their individual skin.

More products don't necessarily mean better skin

One of the biggest misconceptions about acne is that stronger products or more products will produce better results.

This isn't necessarily true.

Using too many active ingredients, harsh cleansers or exfoliating products can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier.

This can leave the skin feeling tight, dry, sensitive or uncomfortable.

And when the skin is already inflamed from acne, adding unnecessary irritation isn't helpful.

A good skincare routine doesn't need to involve ten different products.

It needs to be appropriate for the skin, consistent and carefully considered.

So what should you be looking at instead?

This is where I believe we need to change the way we approach acne.

Rather than immediately looking for another product, we need to understand what's happening with the skin.

Acne develops through a combination of factors, including thick sebum, the build-up of dead skin cells, the activity of acne-associated bacteria and inflammation.

Every teenager is different, which means their skin needs to be assessed individually.

Some things worth considering include:

1. Their current skincare routine

What are they using? Are the products appropriate for their skin? Are they using too many products or ingredients that could be irritating?

2. Their skin itself

Are they experiencing blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots or deeper, painful breakouts? Understanding the type and severity of acne helps determine the most appropriate approach.

3. Their lifestyle

Are there relevant lifestyle factors worth exploring, including sleep, stress and dietary habits? These can be part of the wider picture, although they aren't the sole cause of acne.

4. Consistency

Are they following a suitable routine consistently, or are they constantly changing products in the hope of finding something that works overnight?

These are all things worth understanding before simply adding another product.

Why I believe acne needs a more complete approach

I've been working with skin since 2010, and one thing I feel strongly about is that helping someone with acne should go beyond a facial and a few product recommendations.

I don't want to simply look at someone's skin, recommend some products and send them home to work everything out themselves.

I believe in looking at the bigger picture.

That means understanding the individual's skin, creating an appropriate homecare routine, considering relevant lifestyle factors and providing guidance and support as their skin progresses.

This is the thinking behind my HELP+ Method.

Because I don't believe in guesswork. I believe in understanding the skin and having a considered approach.

Your teenager doesn't need to keep guessing

If your teenager has tried countless skincare products and is still struggling with acne, it doesn't necessarily mean they haven't found the right product yet.

Perhaps it's time to stop adding more things to their routine and start looking at the bigger picture.

Whether their acne has only recently started or they've been struggling for years, they deserve an approach that takes their skin and their concerns seriously.

And as a parent, you shouldn't have to keep spending money on products without knowing whether you're heading in the right direction.

Sometimes the most important first step isn't buying something new.

It's getting the right guidance.

If your teenager is struggling with acne and you're unsure where to start, I'd love to help you understand the options available.

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