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Teenage years are angsty enough, but imagine adding acne into the mix?

While adults experience acne breakouts as well, the skin condition is a common issue among teenagers, who already have enough on their plate growing up in a social-media driven world where beauty standards are unrealistic and at times, unhealthy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a whopping eight out of ten teenagers have to deal with pimples on an almost permanent basis. It would be great if acne was just… a surface level thing, but sadly, acne can really impact a young person’s self-image, confidence, and psychological wellbeing. The comfort from popping a zit right before going to school is vastly offset by the anxieties that acne brings to relationships, everyday interactions at home or outside, and can even impact performance at school. So, clearly then, acne is a problem, and not one that can be dismissed out of hand. It’s important to help both teens and adults in treating this skin condition as soon as possible. This is out contribution. We’ve scoured the internet, consulted dermatologists, and tested over a hundred of the best acne products to find the five most effective acne treatments for teenagers.

Top 3 Teenage Acne Treatments – Editor’s Picks

If you’re in a rush, here’s our top three best acne treatments for teens.

#1. Misumi Clear Skin Duo Kit, $49.95

Best for teenage acne

  • Clears up acne fast
  • Calms redness and inflammation
  • Removes impurities that clog up pores and cause acne
  • Results easily beats big brands and tough competition
  • Naturally derived ingredients 
  • 60-Day money back guarantee
4.9 stars out of 5
 

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#2 – Averr Clear Skin Kit, $149.00

Suitable for: Young adults

  • It works really well
  • Contains over 40 all-natural ingredients
  • Both anti-aging and acne-clearing
4.4 stars out of 5
 

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#3 – Exposed Skincare Expanded Kit, $69.95
Science + Nature

Suitable for: Hormonal Acne

  • 5 Piece kit with dermacloth
  • Gentle, nontoxic
  • Save $10 with monthly subscriptions
4.1 stars out of 5
 

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Acne is very common among teenagers, young adults, and even adults, because the causes behind acne are not straightforward. There are many factors that can cause an acne breakout, and sometimes these can overlap, or not. For example, hormonal acne are due to hormonal changes, but acne can even be present in people with otherwise stable hormonal makeup. In that case, acne is usually caused by clogged pores, excess production of sebum (skin oil) or an overabundance of acne-causing bacteria like the P. Acnes.

In teens and young adults, the appearance of acne is mostly due to their hormonal development. The rapid growth of teenagers can also lead to an overproduction of sebum, colloquially called skin oil. What happens is that the oil, along with any debris from dead skin cells, makeup particles, microscopic dirt and so on will end up clogging the young person’s pores. This, in turn, attracts acne-causing bacteria that actually feed on sebum, which then multiply rampantly inside the pore. It is at this point that a blackhead will turn into a whitehead, and soon into a nasty pimple, because the presence of bacteria soon alerts the immune system which begins attacking the site, causing redness, pain, inflammation, and a white-ish goo.

Congratulations – you have acne now.

OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP ACNE PRODUCTS & reviewed thousands of customer reviews

 

But thankfully, there are many ways to get rid of acne. In this article, we’ll present the 5 best acne treatments for teens that show the best results in our tests. Each of these products was carefully chosen and reviewed, and when we say carefully, we also mean thoroughly. Our selection is the result of a careful analysis of 3700+ real user reviews, various dermatological tests, and an expert understanding of the ingredients in these products.

Rest assured, our team of dermatologists, skincare experts, and just ordinary people who tested these products vouch for the following highest rated and most successful products for teens with acne.

 

How We Rate the Best Acne Treatments

Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best acne treatment:

1. Quality of Ingredients
Not all natural ingredients are good for acne, and not all lab-made ingredients are the best either. To save you time, money, and energy, these are the safest and most effective ingredients when it comes to treating acne: Salicylic acid (perfect for exfoliation, cleaning clogged pores and reducing whiteheads and blackheads), Glycolic acid (the best at exfoliating and unclogging impurities and excess oil due to it’s tiny molecules), Lactic acid (to fight acne and even out skin tone),  Benzoyl peroxide (to destroy the P. acnes bacteria that can cause acne), or Sulfur (which can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation).

2. Regimen Sets

“I recommend acne kits because sticking to one product line, with products designed to work well with one another, will have the most effective results.” –Jessica Fitz Patrick Aesthetician and Rodan + Fields Consultant

3. Real Customer Reviews and Before & After Pictures

We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.

4. Test Results

Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on teenagers battling various types breakouts, and picked the products that worked best on most individuals.

 5. Customer Service and company Policy

We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.

 

5 Best Acne Treatments for Teens 2023

BEST CHOICE
#1- Misumi Clear Skin Duo Kit ($49.95)

Now on promotion for only $49.95

Finally an acne kit that lives up to its hype! The Misumi’s Clear Skin Duo Kit, and the entire Misumi line have been a secret favorite of dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for 20 years, but have only become available to the wider public two years ago. We love their Duo Kit because it is only 2 easy steps and is super manageable for teenagers and young adults. The kit includes their signature AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser and their best-selling Pore Purifying Toner that loyal customers (from teens to adults) swear by.

Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. Their AHA cleanser is a unique and powerful blend of Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, Japanese Plum, Seaweed Extract, Rosehip Oil, and more. To sum up, it has all the things we would want in an acne-fighting cleanser. Their Pore Purifying Toner combines Witch Hazel Extract, Lavender, Sage, and many other acne-fighting herbs that will help calm breakouts, clear the skin, and close pores to prevent future breakouts. Misumi have also taken care to create a formula that’s also powerful and gentle to use, making it suitable even for people with sensitive skin.

When it comes to ingredient quality, effectiveness and strength, there is still no other acne fighting system on the market that can beat this one. 

Pros

  • Premium-quality natural ingredients
  • Calms breakouts fast
  • Reduces redness and swelling
  • Only 2 easy steps that are super manageable for teens
  • Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
  • Real reviews with before and after photos and a cult following among teens
  • 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Cons

  • Misumi is only available for purchase online. It’s not yet in Walmart, CVS or local drugstores. 
  • Missing an acne scar product to complete the set

Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on the kit. Easy cancellation anytime.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF misumi Clear Skin duo kit

It works!

I’ve purchased just about every over the counter acne product out there for my 13 year old daughter and nothing worked. I was ready to get her on prescription meds when I found Misumi. It was highly rated so I figured, one more try. Within a week we could already see results. Her skin is almost completely clear now, and I don’t think she has been consistent with treatment. As long as she has acne, you will have us as a customer.

John M

Verified Buyer

Forever a fan

This is my third order for my son. He’s only 13 but has been battling teenage acne. We saw dramatically clearer skin in the first month of use. I can’t take Misumi enough for giving him the confidence he lacked. Means the world to us.

Eliza B

Verified Buyer


 

#2 – Averr Clear Skin Kit ($149)

Averr’s Clear Skin Kit consists of four blemish-clearing products with over 40 all-natural ingredients to find acne and restore healthy skin. This premium set is definitely not for everyone as it comes with a hefty price tag, but we’ve tested these products and are in love with the top-quality ingredients. 

One thing that is unique to this system is that on top of helping to clear acne and calm inflammations, the Clear Skin Kit also nourishes, detoxifies, and hydrates the skin. We recommend this kit to those who are willing to splurge, and young adults who are thinking more seriously about skincare and anti-aging regimen, while dealing with acne-prone skin. 

Pros:

  • well-rounded system with all-natural ingredients
  • great for anti-aging and acne-prone skin
  • over 40 natural ingredients
  • hydrates and replenishes while clearing the skin from the inside out
  • great reviews, featured on Glamour and Buzzfeed

Cons:

  • Products are pricey, and on the smaller side
  • Missing a non-comedogenic toner 

 

#3 – Exposed Skincare Expanded Kit

Science + Nature

Coming at #3 is Exposed Skincare’s 5 Step Expanded Kit. To be honest, we were quite skeptical of this brand, due to it’s strong push for subscription and membership. It was also quite difficult to track down and make sense of all the ingredients in their products. We believe skincare brands should make their ingredients list as transparent as possible, but since we saw so many positive customer reviews, we had to see if they live up to their reputation.

While Exposed Skincare products may not be the most powerful formula out there, the kit leans towards the anti-allergic side because it contains a fair number of natural ingredients alongside lab-made acids. It also presents a more well-rounded skincare package than Murad, but it ends up being too complicated to follow for the usual customer, especially adolescents, hence getting the bronze medal in our list. 

Exposed Skin Care aims to remove bacteria and dirt from your face for as long as possible, hence why repeated uses are necessary. This is also why it comes with a more complex morning and evening routine. The ingredients are well-suited for its mission statement though, because they optimize skin cleansing and promote acne reducing outcomes.

Kit Includes: Facial Cleanser, Clearing Tonic, Acne Treatment Serum, Clear Pore Serum, Moisture Complex, Free Derm-X Cloth

Pros:

  • Great for blackheads and whiteheads
  • Good choice for individuals with mild acne
  • Long lasting results that clears skin from the inside out

Cons:

  • 6 Piece Kit can be exhausting to manage consistently
  • You will need to subscribe to their membership to receive a discounted price
  • Not that easy to return products

 

#4 – Misumi Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser

$28.95 (2-3 Months Supply)
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This Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser is an incredible combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and natural ingredients like Lavender Flower Oil. It doesn’t just target whiteheads, blackheads, spots and blemishes, but also helps reduce soreness, swelling and redness without drying the skin too much. One of its main ingredients is lavender, which possesses excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting healing, a more even skin tone and soothing angry breakouts. If you want a high-quality acne-fighting product with long-lasting results, that also works to nurture your skin and prevent scar formation, Misumi has got you covered.

Pros:

  • Simple and affordable, 1 step treatment that works
  • Combines three of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients
  • Salicylic acid helps to clear blemishes and promote healing, quickly reducing redness and swelling.
  • Glycolic acid deeply exfoliates, removing dirt, oil, and sweat that clogs pores and cause acne.
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Salicylic acid is amazing for pimples, but if you’re allergic or sensitive to BHA, this product is not suitable for you. We recommend trying Misumi’s AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser
  • At $28.95 it comes a bit costlier than its competition, but the 4 fl. oz. bottle contains a good amount of product that will last you at least 2 months. PRO TIP: If you subscribe to get the product delivered every 1-2 months, you’ll save 20%.

PRO TIP:

For the best results, use the Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser in combination with Misumi’s Pore Purifying Toner. Joining the forces of these two acne-fighting miracle-workers will help you achieve visibly clearer skin in just two to three weeks.

Misumi also stand out from the rest with their pro-consumer policies. You can shop risk free and enjoy their 60-day 100% money-back policy, no questions asked.

Purchased for my twin tween girls and they love it!

I noticed my twin 12-year old daughters’ faces starting to break out a bit, so I purchased this. It has brought a huge difference in their faces! They are not identical twins with distinctive types of skin and breakouts, but this product works for both of them beautifully! thank you

Debbie

Verified Buyer


 

#5 – Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System

adult acne treatment, hormonal acne treatment, best acne treatment

Proactiv+ is pretty much required for any acne treatment system list. It’s the most popular treatment around, and by extension, the most effective. But this is mostly due to prominence and old fame, which is why people still swear by it. To be fair, Proactiv+ popularized the simple skincare routine kits. These bundle contains the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator with benzoyl peroxide, along with glycolic acid for exfoliation. The Pore Targeting Treatment also helps reduce your pores, and the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator comes packed with Salicylic acid and many plant-based ingredients which make for a good, and safe final step. Overall this is a good acne kit, or let’s say a skin nurturing kit, but they lose points for a stale formula that has since been improved on by other competitors.

Pros:

  • Has some of the most effective anti acne ingredients
  • Many people report positive results
  • Time tested formula
  • Can lighten your skin

Cons:

  • Contains silicones
  • Not oil free, so those with oily skin should think twice
  • Not everyone wants skin lighteners
  • Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics

 

Conclusion

If you’re tired of acne, try one of the top rated acne treatments for teenage acne and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. We’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves.