THE TEEN EDIT

Every client starts with a full skin assessment where we look at your acne type, triggers, current routine, and overall skin health. From there, we build a customized plan designed to calm active breakouts, prevent future acne, and protect your skin long-term.

Your journey may include a combination of targeted treatments such as deep cleansing facials, enzymes, chemical peels, or advanced options like microneedling — all introduced at the right time, based on how your skin responds.

But here’s the part most people miss:
real results don’t come from one treatment.

Consistency, proper home care, and a structured plan are what transform your skin — and that’s exactly what we focus on here.

Closed Comedones (Whiteheads + Blackheads)
These little bumps form when oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside the pores. Think of it like your skin’s natural traffic jam — everything’s trying to get out, but there’s a block at the exit.

When oil production speeds up (thanks, hormones ), and the skin doesn’t shed properly, pores clog and harden under the surface. This is called follicular hyper-keratinization — basically, the skin cells are sticking together when they should be falling off.

If you’re using occlusive products (heavy creams, thick makeup, or oily hair products), especially near the forehead, it adds another layer of congestion. And yes — hormones are the main characters here. When DHT and testosterone rise during puberty, they signal oil glands to go into overdrive, creating more sebum and more buildup.

So in short: excess oil + sticky skin cells + the wrong products = comedones waiting to happen.

Side profile of a woman with short, braided hair adorned with white and silver beads, wearing gold jewelry including earrings and ear cuffs, with facial acne visible, against a warm brown background.

EDUCATION: what kind of acne is your teen struggling with?

Pustules + Papules (Inflamed Acne)
Now, when those clogged pores get invaded by bacteria (mainly Cutibacterium acnes), the body’s immune system freaks out a bit — cue the redness, swelling, and those angry, sore bumps.

Hormonal shifts turn your sebaceous glands into tiny oil factories, and when oil mixes with dead cells and bacteria, it creates inflammation inside the pore. That’s when you see the visible, inflamed acne most teens struggle with.

And let’s be real — add sweaty gym classes, makeup not made for acne-prone skin, or the classic “sleeping in your mascara” moment, and the skin barrier basically waves a white flag.

Teen acne isn’t just about oil — it’s a perfect storm of hormones, lifestyle, stress, and product choices. Getting it under control means calming inflammation, balancing oil, and choosing barrier-friendly skincare that works with your skin, not against it.

A young woman with purple hair and earrings, with acne scars on her face, is resting her head on her hand and has her eyes closed.

Fungal Acne (The Acne Imposter)

Let’s clear this up once and for all — fungal acne isn’t actually acne. It’s a yeast overgrowth, not bacteria. The scientific name is Malassezia folliculitis — and it happens when yeast that normally lives on our skin (like a chill roommate) multiplies out of control and starts inflaming the hair follicles.

This yeast feeds on oil, sweat, and humidity, which is why it loves showing up on your forehead, chest, back, and shoulders — basically anywhere warm and sweaty. Think gym class, tight clothing, or sleeping in sweaty PJs.

Here’s what’s really going on under the microscope:

  • Malassezia yeast eats the triglycerides (fats) in your sebum.

  • That process releases free fatty acids, which irritate the follicle wall.

  • The body’s immune system responds with inflammation — cue those uniform, itchy, tiny bumps that look like acne but don’t come to a whitehead.

To make it trickier, traditional acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, heavy moisturizers, or certain oils can make fungal acne worse — because the yeast sees that extra oil as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Close-up of a young woman's face with natural makeup, dark hair, and earrings against a dark background.

SHOP TEEN ACNE PRODUCTS

*A note to parents*

Teen acne isn’t just a skincare issue. It’s multi-factor- Hormones, stress, sleep, sports, diet… they all get a vote. If your teen is breaking out, don’t panic and don’t start playing “guess-the-product” every week.
What they need is balance: acne-safe meals, real sleep, hydration, and a simple, consistent skincare routine that actually supports their skin — not overwhelms it.