Preteen and Teenage Acne Treatment
Early intervention of your acne helps to prevent potential acne scarring.
Discover how we can help if your teenager is struggling to control acne with over-the-counter products.
- Professional | Established | Trusted
- Restore normal healthy skin barrier
- Different treatment options to suit your needs.
- Over 15 years of clinical experience
- Helping over 10,000 acne patients
What is teenage acne?
Teenage acne is a common dermatological condition caused by a combination of hormonal changes, excess oil production, and bacteria. It can significantly impact a teenager’s self-esteem and confidence. Our goal is to not only treat the visible symptoms but also to address the underlying causes to prevent future breakouts.
We understand that teenage acne can be a challenging and distressing condition. Our comprehensive acne treatment program is designed to address the unique needs of teenagers, providing effective and customized solutions to achieve clear and healthy skin.
Our Approach
Teen Acne Treatment
As a clinician with more than 15 years of experience, Dr Ng. understands the impact of how acne can affect an individual. Acne knows no boundaries, afflicting a wide range of age groups and affecting both genders for varying lengths of time. Dr. Ng provides a patient-centric approach that is backed by the latest scientific evidence as well as his own wealth of experience to create a care plan for the best acne treatment that is unique to your skin type. Early intervention can help prevent acne scars, restore your skin and confidence.
How common is Teenage Acne?
“My Daughter is 9 and has acne. Can it be treated?”
Although the prevalence of acne is highest in the teenage group (more than 12 years of age), acne can occur at all ages. A study revealed that acne is present in up to 78% of girls aged 9 to 10, while 88% of adolescent will experience acne at some point.
Acne is considered a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilo-sebaceous glands. In addition to being hormonally driven, other factors contributing to acne include an excess in sebum production and abnormal skin cell turnover. This creates an ideal environment for the colonisation of the C.acnes bacteria and inflammation to take place. Left untreated, acne can progress to more severe forms such as cystic acne, and can leave permanent acne scars.
Our goal is early intervention to clear acne actively so we can prevent any form of acne scarring, improve mental health and enhance quality of life during this challenging stage of their lives.
How Is Teenage Acne Different From Adult Acne?
Preteen and teen acne tends to be concentrated along the ‘T zone area‘. The forehead, nose, mid cheeks and chin tend to be affected by mainly clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads. The back is usually the last to be affected if any at all. Inflammatory acne lesions are less common in this age group. However, whiteheads left unchecked has a higher tendency to progress to inflammatory acne. One special feature is the presence of blackheads in the ear, which many mistaken for dirt, leading to over zealous cleansing.
In contrast, adult acne tends to follow a “U-Shape” pattern, with acne lesions being distributed along the jawline, chin and cheeks. The inflammatory component is more visible in this age group, and are characterized by painful papules, pustules or even deep seated acne cysts.
Feature | Teenage Acne | Adult Acne |
|---|---|---|
Age Group | Typically affects 11-18 year olds | Typically affects 23 years and older |
Hormonal influence | Strongly linked to pubertal development | Linked to hormonal fluctuations e.g. menstruation, PCOS |
Common Areas | Predominantly on forehead, nose, chin (T-zone) Chest and back is often seen in males. | More common on lower face, jawline, neck. |
Acne type | More likely to have comedones (whiteheads, blackheads), papules and pustules. | In addition to papules,pustules and comedones, may also develop cysts and nodules. |
Triggers | Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and skincare products | Hormonal changes, stress, diet, medications, and cosmetics |
Long-term effects | Potential for psychological and physical scarring if not treated properly | Higher risk of persistent acne and scarring, may require long-term management |
What are the types of acne?
What are the benefits of early acne treatment?
- Prevents worsening of acne: Acne can progress from mild to severe if left untreated.
- Reduces inflammation and pain: Acne can be painful, swollen and itchy and affect daily activities.
- Acne scar prevention: Early treatment helps to prevent irreversible scarring
- Boost confidence and self-esteem: Having clearer and healthier skin leads to improved sense of well-being
- Improved mental health: Acne is associated with anxiety and depression.
- Maintenance of healthy skin: Healthy skin care habits early in life will pay dividends in the future
- Improved quality of life: Improved social interaction and future professional interaction.
- Reduced financial burden: Treating acne early is more cost-effective than leaving till late.
What are the changes i can make to improve my acne now?
1. Establish A Gentle Skincare Routine
- Cleanse Twice Daily: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to wash your face in the morning and before bed. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
- Moisturize: Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizing is important to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. Choose a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Apply Sunscreen Daily: Protect your skin from UV damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Look for formulas that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
2. Avoid Popping Your Acne
- Hands Off: Avoid touching your face, picking, or squeezing pimples. This can introduce bacteria and lead to more breakouts, inflammation, or scarring.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Balanced Diet: Although the link between diet and acne isn’t fully understood, some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods and dairy products may worsen acne for some individuals. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and support overall skin health.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can exacerbate acne. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or regular exercise.
What is the approach to teenage acne treatment?
There are several factors to consider with regards to teenage and preteen acne treatment. The predominant acne type (whether comedomal, inflammatory or mixed), the severity (mild, moderate or severe), presence of acne scarring and whether the acne is causing psychological distress.
Acne in our youth has its unique challenges. The treatment regime needs to be simple enough to follow, yet effective. Medications must be safe to use, yet side effects minimised. While most patients will respond to topical therapy, it may be necessary to start oral acne treatments in more severe cases. Patient education must be positively reinforced, and myths dispelled at the same time.
Teen Acne Treatment in Singapore
The best teenage acne treatment depends on the predominant acne type, and how severe the acne is affecting the child.
Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are commonly recommended as first-line options. These agents help to reduce inflammation, clear blocked pores, and decrease bacterial presence on the skin.
Prescription Medications: For moderate to severe acne, prescription medications may be necessary. These can include topical retinoids, which promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, and topical or oral antibiotics to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation. Hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptives, can also be effective for female patients with acne linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Lifestyle and Skincare: Proper skincare routines, including gentle cleansing and the use of non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens, play a crucial role in managing acne. Patients should be educated on the importance of avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions to prevent scarring and further irritation.
Diet and Lifestyle Considerations: While the relationship between diet and acne is still being researched, a balanced diet and adequate hydration may support overall skin health. Stress management and adequate sleep are also important, as stress can exacerbate acne.
Teenage Acne Treatment Singapore Price
TREATMENT | PRICE |
|---|---|
Oral Antibiotics | from $30 |
Topical Creams (Retinoid/Benzoyl Peroxide) | from $40 |
Oral Isotretinoin | from $80 |
Injection Steroids | from $120 |
Drainage of cyst | from $150 |
Laser Acne Treatment | from $399 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, acne is very common among adolescents. It is estimated that up to 85% of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 24 experience acne to some degree. This is primarily due to hormonal changes during puberty, which can lead to increased oil production in the skin, clogged pores, and bacterial growth, all of which contribute to the development of acne. While acne can be bothersome and sometimes persistent during adolescence, it usually improves with age for most individuals. However, it’s important to note that acne can also affect adults, though it tends to be less common and typically presents differently than adolescent acne.
While it may not be possible to prevent acne entirely, there are several steps teenagers can take to minimize breakouts, including practicing good skincare habits (such as cleansing the face twice daily), avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, using non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) skincare products, and managing stress levels.
Treatment options for teenage acne vary depending on the severity of the acne. Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur can be effective for mild acne. For moderate to severe acne, prescription medications such as topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives (for females), or isotretinoin (Accutane) may be recommended by a dermatologist.
While the relationship between diet and acne is still being researched, some studies suggest that certain dietary factors, such as high glycemic index foods and dairy products, may exacerbate acne in some individuals. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help support overall skin health.
The duration of teenage acne varies from person to person. For some individuals, acne may improve or resolve on its own as they transition into adulthood. For others, acne may persist into their 20s or beyond. Seeking treatment early can help manage acne and reduce the risk of long-term scarring or skin damage.
Wearing makeup does not necessarily cause acne, but certain makeup products or improper makeup removal practices can potentially exacerbate acne. Choosing non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) makeup products and thoroughly removing makeup before bedtime can help minimize the risk of acne flare-ups.
If over-the-counter acne treatments are not effective or if acne is severe, causing scarring, or impacting quality of life, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can evaluate the acne, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide personalized skincare advice tailored to the individual’s needs.
teen acne
My immediate concern whenever I see a case of acne in teenagers, whether it is mild or severe, is to assess how it is affecting their health. Acne that is not treated can lead to great emotional distress and scarring. This is quite unnecessary in this day and age, where effective acne treatments are readily available.
Schedule a consultation for Teen acne treatment in Singapore
We treat a range of acne and acne scars at both our clinics in Woodlands and Kovan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, so that Dr. Ng can develop a personalized treatment approach for resolving your teenager’s skin concerns and helping them to achieve long-term improvements in the health and appearance of their skin.
Request a CallBack
Get in touch with us with any questions, pricing, or bookings.
Or give us a call at +65 6769 6007 | WhatsApp us +65 9855 3022
References:
- Zaenglein et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74:945-973.e933
- Eichefield et al. Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne. Pediatrics.2013;131(Suppl 3):S163-S186
- Skroza N, Tolino E, Mambrin A, Zuber S, Balduzzi V, Marchesiello A, Bernardini N, Proietti I, Potenza C. Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1,167 patients. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2018 Jan;11(1):21.
ABOUT DR MOSES NG
MBBS (London) with distinction
Dip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) with distinction
Member of American Acne & Rosacea Society
Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
LinkedIn Profile 
Dr. Moses Ng is a distinguished professional in the field of aesthetic medicine, renowned for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. With over 15 years of experience, extensive training and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Ng specializes in a wide range of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and acne scar management.
Dr. Moses Ng’s commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician in aesthetic medicine. His continuous pursuit of the latest advancements in the field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care and the most effective treatments available.
