Skin Tips for Teen Acne

How I Overcame Severe Acne – And What’s Helping My Daughter Now

I know firsthand how frustrating and confidence-shaking acne can be. As a teenager, I tried everything—countless visits to GPs, pharmacies, beauty salons, and even taking skincare courses myself to understand what my skin truly needed.

Eventually, I found a routine that worked for me. Now, as my oldest daughter starts showing the first signs of acne, I’m guiding her with the lessons I learned the hard way.

If you or your child are struggling with acne, here are four key things that have made a real difference for us:

Tip #1 - Use a Fresh Towel for Clearer Skin

One of the simplest yet most overlooked changes in our acne-fighting routine was switching to a dedicated face towel. Bacteria, oils, and product residue build up fast on towels, and using the same one for multiple days—or worse, sharing it—can undo all the benefits of a good skincare routine.

Now, my daughter only dries her face with either a towel used exclusively for her face (changed frequently) or single-use tissues to keep bacteria at bay. This small but crucial step has made a noticeable difference in keeping her skin clear. As parents, it's up to us to reinforce this habit—consistency is key!

Tip #2 - Pillowcases: The Silent Culprit

Changing pillowcases every two days is a game-changer. Skin heals best in a clean environment, and pillowcases collect oil, dirt, and bacteria fast. Until her skin improves, I’ve switched my daughter to silk pillowcases, which are gentler and less absorbent than cotton.

“Using a clean, soft fabric like silk can help reduce friction and irritation, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin.” — Dr. Hadley King, Dermatologist

Tip #3 - High-Frequency Therapy (Twice a Week)

I wish I had known about high-frequency tools when I was younger! This little device helps reduce inflammation, kills acne-causing bacteria, and speeds up healing. We use it cautiously—twice a week for just 5-10 seconds on affected areas.

Tip #4 - Natural, Effective Skincare

I’ve learned that harsh chemicals do more harm than good. We keep it simple:

✔ A gentle cleanser

✔ A light SPF day cream

✔ A targeted spot treatment

✔ No parabens, SLS, or unnecessary irritants

(If you’re looking for specific product recommendations, I’ll link some options available in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe.)

Final Thoughts: Skincare is a Journey

My daughter and I enjoy a relaxing skincare session together, applying face masks to enhance our skin's appearance and manage acne.

This isn’t a substitute for seeing a professional — I spent years going to dermatologists, and beauty therapists, and trying pharmacy solutions before finding what worked for me. Every skin is different, but I hope sharing my experience saves you some of the trial and error I went through.

If you’ve battled acne, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you or your child. Drop a comment below.

Natural Skincare Products Targeting Acne, Blackheads, and Spots

Face Cleansers for UK

1. Organic Young OY: Teen Foaming Face Wash

2. Evolve Organic Beauty: Daily Detox Facial Wash with Aloe Vera and Moringa Peptides

3. UpCircle: Fennel + Cardamom Chai Soap Bar, Certified Organic Vegan Cleanser For Face And Body - Green Clay, Glycerin + Shea Butter Draw Toxins From Pores

4. Pai Skincare London: PHAZE PHA Clarifying Face Wash, Blemish & Blackhead Control

5. Paula's Choice: CLEAR Pore Normalising Cleanser

Face Cleansers for Canada/ US

1. Kiehl's: Calendula Deep Cleansing Face Wash

2. La Roche-Posay: Face Wash Gel Cleanser

3. Ursa Major: Fantastic Face Wash

4. Three Ships: Purify Aloe + Amino Acid Gel Cleanser

High-Frequency Tools for At-Home Use

1. TUMAKOU High Frequency Wand - Argon Light - for UK

2. TUMAKOU High Frequency Wand - Argon Light - for Canada

3. NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand - for UK

4. NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand - for Canada