​​Jump to Section:

​

What Causes Acne?

Types of Acne

Not Sure Where to Start?

Build an Effective Routine from the Drugstore

Teen Acne Treatments That Actually Work

Acne in Darker Skin Tones

Common Mistakes That Make Acne Worse

Acne Myths

Can Acne Be Treated Through Telehealth?

What to Expect During a Teen Health Visit

Acne Treatment Timeline

When Should I See a Doctor?

Could Acne Be a Sign of Something Else?

Frequently Asked Questions

​

 

What causes acne?

 

Acne develops when several things happen at the same time:

​

• Hormonal changes increase oil production.

​

• Dead skin cells clog pores.

​

• Bacteria contribute to inflammation.

​

• Genetics also play an important role.

​

Because several factors contribute to acne, there usually isn't one single treatment that works for everyone.

 

​

Types of acne

 

Knowing the type of acne helps determine the best treatment.

​

Whiteheads and blackheads

These clogged pores are considered non-inflammatory acne.

 

Red bumps, pimples, and pustules

These are inflamed lesions that often respond to prescription medications.

 

Deep, painful cysts or nodules

These are more severe forms of acne and may require oral medications or referral to a dermatologist.

 

​

Not sure where to start?

 

Mostly blackheads and whiteheads? → A basic drugstore routine (below) is a great place to start.

 

Red, inflamed pimples? → You may need a prescription-strength option—see "What treatments actually work."

 

Painful cysts or nodules? → It's a good idea to schedule a visit.

 

Dark spots left behind after acne heals? → See "Acne in darker skin tones" below.

​

​

Build an effective routine from the drugstore

 

You don't need a cabinet full of products. A simple, consistent routine—started before your visit, if you'd like—is often more effective than an expensive one.

​

Morning

​

• Gentle cleanser

​

• Benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%—lower strengths are gentler and work just as well as higher ones)

  • Concerned about the recent benzene headlines? Read: Should I Stop Using Benzoyl Peroxide?

​

• Non-comedogenic moisturizer

​

• Sunscreen

​

Evening

​

• Gentle cleanser

​

• Adapalene 0.1% gel (a retinoid that's now available over the counter, sold as Differin)

​

• Moisturizer

​

Start adapalene every other night for the first 1–2 weeks, then increase to nightly as tolerated. Some dryness and irritation is normal at first and usually improves within a few weeks. If irritation shows up, applying moisturizer before or after the adapalene (sometimes called the "sandwich method") can make it easier to tolerate.

​

If your skin is prone to dark marks: an azelaic acid product (available over the counter in some skincare lines, typically 10%) can be used instead of or alongside adapalene. It treats acne and fades dark spots at the same time, with less irritation than many other options.

 

Tip: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels, pillowcases, and shirt collars. If that happens, switch to a benzoyl peroxide wash instead of a leave-on gel—apply it to damp skin, leave it on for 1–2 minutes, then rinse. It can work just as well for many people, and nothing transfers to fabric.

 

How to shop for skincare

 

Skip the specific brands and look for products labeled:

​

• Non-comedogenic

​

• Oil-free

​

• Fragrance-free (especially if your skin is sensitive)

​

Avoid harsh scrubs and alcohol-based toners—they tend to make acne worse by irritating the skin. Store-brand cleansers and moisturizers with the labels above often work just as well as the expensive ones.

​

Don't buy everything on day one

​

If you're starting several new products, introduce them one at a time when you can. That way, if your skin gets irritated, it's much easier to figure out which one is responsible.

​

More products don't necessarily mean better results. A simple routine you'll actually stick with beats an elaborate one you won't.

​

​

Before you try another acne product...

 

Ask yourself:

​

• Have I used the same routine consistently for at least 8 weeks?

​

• Am I using a moisturizer every day?

​

• Am I picking at my acne?

​

• Am I expecting results too quickly?

​

• Do I actually know what each product is supposed to do?

​

If you answered "no" to a few of these, that's okay—the fix is usually a simpler routine and more time, not another product.

 

​

What Treatments Actually Work?

 

Treatment depends on the severity of acne. In general, using a retinoid together with benzoyl peroxide is often more effective than either product alone. Most acne treatments take time—some improvement is often seen within 6 weeks, but it can take 3 to 6 months to reach the full effect.

The best treatment also depends on your skin type, whether acne is causing scars or dark marks, whether hormonal factors may be contributing, and your personal goals.

 

 

Mild acne

 

Often treated with:

​

• Benzoyl peroxide

​

• Topical retinoids (such as adapalene, available over the counter)

​

• A simple, gentle skincare routine

​

Consistency matters more than using many products.

 

Moderate acne

 

May require prescription medications such as:

​

• Prescription-strength topical retinoids

​

• Topical antibiotics combined with benzoyl peroxide (topical antibiotics should not be used alone, as this can lead to bacterial resistance)

​

• Azelaic acid, which can also help fade dark spots left behind by acne—a common concern for teens with darker skin tones

​

• Hormonal treatments, including certain birth control pills for appropriate patients

​

• Oral antibiotics for selected cases

 

Severe acne

 

Some teens benefit from:

​

• Oral medications

​

• Hormonal therapies

​

• Referral for isotretinoin (Accutane) when appropriate, particularly if acne is causing scarring or significantly affecting quality of life

 

​

Acne in darker skin tones

​

For many teens with darker skin, the acne itself isn't always the biggest concern—it's the dark marks it leaves behind.

​

These marks, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aren't permanent scars, but they can take months to fade, and they're sometimes more distressing than the acne itself.

 

The best way to prevent dark marks is to treat acne early rather than wait for it to go away on its own. Retinoids and azelaic acid are especially helpful because they treat acne and fade dark marks at the same time. Azelaic acid is available over the counter and tends to cause less irritation than other acne treatments—which matters, since irritation itself can trigger more dark marks in darker skin. Daily sunscreen helps keep existing marks from getting darker.

 

If dark marks are one of your biggest concerns, let us know during your visit so we can build a treatment plan that addresses both the acne and the discoloration.

 

​

Common mistakes that make acne worse

​

• Changing products every week instead of giving them time to work

​

• Using too many products at once

​

• Picking or squeezing pimples

​

• Skipping moisturizer because skin feels oily

​

• Stopping treatment too early, once skin looks clear

​

• Scrubbing skin aggressively or washing more than twice a day

​

 

Acne myths

​

"Washing your face more will clear acne."

No. Overwashing can actually worsen irritation. Gentle cleansing twice a day is enough.

​

"Chocolate causes acne."

No single food causes acne in everyone. Some people notice certain foods worsen their acne, but the relationship is complex.

​

"Acne will just go away on its own."

Sometimes it does—but untreated acne can lead to permanent scarring, and effective treatment doesn't require waiting months for a specialist appointment.

​

"Popping pimples helps them heal faster."

Usually not. Picking or squeezing acne can increase inflammation, delay healing, and increase the risk of permanent scarring.

​

 

The Jellybean approach to acne

​

Our goal isn't perfect skin overnight. Our goal is to:

​

• Stop new acne from forming

​

• Prevent permanent scarring

​

• Prevent dark marks

​

• Find a routine you'll actually stick with

​

• Use the fewest medications needed to get the job done

​

 

Can acne be treated through telehealth?

​​​​

Not every acne concern can be managed virtually, but many can—including most mild-to-moderate cases.

​

A virtual visit often provides enough information to:

​

• Evaluate the severity of acne

​

• Recommend an appropriate skincare routine

​

• Prescribe medications when appropriate

​

• Monitor progress over time

​

If an in-person examination or referral is needed, we'll help determine the best next step.

​

 

During your Teen Health Visit we'll discuss:

​

• When your acne started

​

• Previous treatments you've tried

​

• Your skincare routine

​

• Any medications you're taking

​

• Whether acne is leaving scars or dark marks

​

• Whether hormonal conditions, such as PCOS, could be contributing

​

• What treatments best fit your lifestyle and preferences

​

Together we'll build a personalized treatment plan.

​

 

How Long Does Acne Treatment Take?

 

Week 0

  ↓

Weeks 2–4        May look the same — or even a little worse

  ↓

Weeks 6–8        Starting to improve

  ↓

Months 3–6       Maximum benefit

​

 

When should I see a doctor?

​

Consider scheduling a visit if:

​

• Acne is painful

​

• Acne is leaving scars or dark spots

​

• You've tried a consistent routine for 8–12 weeks without improvement

​

• Acne is affecting confidence or mental health

​

• You have acne on your chest, shoulders, or back ("backne"), especially if it's painful or leaving scars.

​

• You're buying product after product without knowing what's actually helping

​​

​

Could acne be a sign of something else?

 

For many teens, acne is simply a normal part of adolescence. However, acne that is severe, difficult to treat, or occurs along with irregular periods, increased facial or body hair, or other signs of hormonal imbalance may sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

​

If we think your acne could be related to a hormonal condition, we'll discuss whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate.

 

​

Frequently Asked Questions

​

Will I need antibiotics? Not always. Many teens improve with topical medications alone. When antibiotics are used, we aim to limit the duration and always combine them with other treatments to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

​

How long does treatment take? Some improvement is often seen within 6 weeks, but most acne treatments take 3 to 6 months to reach their full effect. Consistency is important—sticking with a plan even when results aren't immediate makes a real difference.

​

Can girls receive birth control for acne? Sometimes. For some teens, certain birth control methods can improve acne while also providing contraception if desired. During a Teen Health Visit we can discuss whether this may be an appropriate option. (Learn more in our [Guide to Birth Control for Teens & Young Adults].)

​

Can acne happen on my back or chest?
Yes. Acne on the back ("backne") is common in teens, along with the shoulders and chest—not just the face. The same treatment principles often apply, though body acne sometimes needs different products or prescription treatment, because the affected area is larger, the skin is covered by clothing, and topical products are harder to apply consistently.

 

A benzoyl peroxide wash used in the shower is often the easiest way to start treating back and chest acne, since it rinses off before touching clothes or towels. If you're developing painful bumps or scars, it's worth scheduling a visit.

 

If you've seen news stories about benzene in benzoyl peroxide products, read our article Should I Stop Using Benzoyl Peroxide? for a summary of the latest evidence.

​

Should I stop my medications once my skin clears? No. Many teens need maintenance treatment to keep acne under control. Stopping too soon often lets it come back.

 

Can I use Accutane? Some teens benefit from isotretinoin (Accutane), but it requires specialized monitoring. If it's the best option, we'll help guide you through the next steps or refer you to a dermatologist.

 

You don't have to figure this out alone

​

Acne can be frustrating, but effective treatments are available.

 

Many teens don't need a dermatologist to get started. A thoughtful treatment plan, realistic expectations, and enough time for medications to work are often all that's needed to see meaningful improvement.

​

Through a Teen Health Visit, we can:

​

• Evaluate your acne

​

• Recommend an evidence-based skincare routine

​

• Prescribe medications when appropriate

​

• Discuss whether hormonal factors, such as PCOS, could be contributing

​

• Monitor your progress over time

​

If your acne is severe or requires specialized care, I'll help determine whether a dermatologist is the right next step.

​

​​

Ready to Get Started?

 

Most acne concerns can be evaluated through a virtual Teen Health Visit ($350).

 

Your visit includes

​

✔ A comprehensive virtual evaluation

​

✔ Review of your current skincare routine and treatments you've already tried

 

✔ A personalized acne treatment plan

​

✔ Prescription medications when medically appropriate

​

✔ Guidance on what to expect and how long treatment typically takes

​

✔ Follow-up care when needed

​

Have questions before you book? Send a message — I'm happy to help.

​

​​