What Are the Best Ways for Teenagers to Get Clear Skin?

While people of all ages can develop acne, it most often occurs during the teen years and in young adulthood, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD. In fac,t 85 percent of U.S. teenagers will have some degree of acne in a given year. Adolescent acne is primarily due to hormonal changes that take place during puberty, says Kids Health.org. It typically includes blackheads, whiteheads and pimples that develop on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back. A number of acne treatments can help to clear skin for teenagers.

Keep Your Face Clean

Washing you face once or twic a day with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser can stop acne-promoting oil from collecting on your skin, according to the Kids Health.org.

The last thing you want to be when cleansing your face is in a hurry. Take the time to thoroughly remove any make-up. An extra cleansing may be necessary if you've been exercising, since perspiration can block pores and worsen acne.

Apply Acne-Fighting Products

Numerous acne creams, lotions and pads are available over-the-counter to help to control and clear pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. You may want to test a few different products to see which works best for you.

Common acne fighters include benzoyl peroxide, which destroys acne-promoting bacteria and salicylic acid, which can help to clear pimples.

Use Prescription Acne Medications

A number of topical prescription acne medications are available to treat mild to to severe cases of acne, according to the AAD. Tretinoin is a vitamin A that can help to clear acne by preventing pores from becoming blocked. It is sold under the brand name Retin-A or Renova.

These medications, which play an important role in acne treatment, attack the different factors that lead to acne. Oral antibiotics such as erythromycin and tetracycline may be helpful in moderate to severe cases of acne that has not responded to topical remedies.

Keep Oil Off Your Skin

Do your best to keep oil away from your skin. Greasy foods can leave oil around the mouth and aggravate acne, according to the AAD. Always wipe your mouth after eating oily foods.

Use oil-free skin care products such as moisturizers, sunscreens and cosmetics. Also, keep your hair clean and away from your face. Frequent shampooing may improve the appearance of your hair but may not help fight acne, notes Children's Youth and Women's Health Service.

Additional Considerations

Try to keep hair styling products such as gels and sprays away from your face, because they can block pores, which may encourage pimples. Also, try not to rest your hands or other other objects such as cell phones on your face, because they may produce perspiration.