ProactivMD Essentials System + Teen Duo is recommended for all skin types and teens with mild to moderate acne. Our acne-treating retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1% helps speed teen acne healing and prevents whiteheads and blackheads from coming back.
Is Proactiv Solution safe for teenagers? Proactiv Solution was originally developed and formulated for young adults between the ages of 12-25, but people of all ages have had success with our products.
Have your teen use over-the-counter acne products, and wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser twice daily. Look for products that contain topical benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Apply cleanser with fingertips, and rinse skin with lukewarm water.
A topical retinoid medication used for the treatment of acne in people age 12 years and older.
“People should be aware that with most acne treatments, you may see an initial flare-up when starting treatment, as cell turnover speeds up. But skin should begin to clear up after the first few weeks. If it gets even worse, the products may be irritating the skin too much,” adds Dr. Cheung.
Must-have products for helping to treat hormonal acne
The good news is, Adapalene, found in our ProactivMD system is a great way to help treat hormonal acne. Adapalene is the star player in the ProactivMD trio — it helps clear and prevent stubborn breakouts while restoring healthy-looking skin.
Some dermatologists advise that their patients avoid using Proactiv. “We do not recommend Proactiv because it uses harsh ingredients on your skin, which can eventually lead to early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles,” says Evans.
There is no limit to the length of time you can use Proactiv. If you discontinue Proactiv, your blemishes are likely to return because the key causes of acne are hormonal and genetic. Teen acne lasts, on average, 5 to 7 years; adult acne can last 20-plus years.
Salicylic acid can be helpful for all types of acne.” Salicylic acid is a go-to OTC ingredient for acne since it dissolves the dead skin cells in clogged pores, helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
With that being said, Proactiv may be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate acne outbreaks and scarring. But it's not a miracle cure, and it won't work for everyone. According to its product description, Proactiv doesn't work on cystic or nodular acne. It's also not the best option for severe acne.
Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.
Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
Does Curology work? Based on a survey of 856 Curology users, 93 percent said the skin care products were effective. The access to healthcare professionals and prescription-strength ingredients make Curology an effective skin care solution for many. However, one solution doesn't work for everyone.
AcneFree Clear Skin Treatments (benzoyl peroxide) Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Acne Solutions System (salicylic acid) Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne System (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid)
Week 2: 80% of Proactiv+ users saw results after just 2 weeks. It's that fast! Your pores may start to appear smaller and your skin's texture is already becoming smoother. Week 3: You may notice any blemishes that arise healing faster.
Over-treating
So if you're asking yourself, "Why is my skin so dry?", you might be overdoing it with the skincare. When using exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid and lactic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), it takes time for your skin to properly adjust and reap the benefits.
ProactivMD is our prescription-strength retinoid that clears breakouts and helps restore clear, healthy skin. Our new Mark Correcting Pads helps fade the appearance of dark marks and scars left behind by past breakouts and is the perfect addition to any proactiv system.
Usually the first choice for treating acne is a tetracycline (minocycline, doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). A macrolide might be an option for people who can't take tetracyclines, including pregnant women and children under 8 years old.
Hormonal adult acne typically forms on the lower part of your face. This includes the bottom of your cheeks and around your jawline. For some people, hormonal acne takes the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples that come to a head, or cysts.
For those who want to tackle the hormonal breakouts that every young person struggles with from time to time, Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser and SA Smoothing Cream (€12.50 each at pharmacies nationwide) are a great teen skin combination.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts.
However, it can take six to eight weeks to see an improvement,10 so it's important to continue using anti-acne products to achieve the results you want. When looking for a solution, try to choose a simple, yet effective regimen.