As summer winds down and school ramps up, many teens (and their parents) notice an unwelcome visitor: acne flare-ups. Between changing schedules, stress, late nights, and different routines, fall can be tough on teenage skin. At Borealis Dermatology, we often see an increase in acne cases this time of year — but with the right guidance, clear skin and confidence are absolutely achievable.
Q: Why does acne often get worse when school starts?
A: Acne is driven by several factors — hormones, oil production, bacteria, and inflammation — but stress and lifestyle changes can make it worse. When teens return to school, their routines change drastically: earlier mornings, later nights, increased academic pressure, sports, and social stress. All of these trigger higher cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can increase oil production and inflammation in the skin.
Additionally, back-to-school life can mean:
- Less sleep: Poor sleep quality disrupts hormone balance and slows skin healing.
- Poor diet choices: Grabbing quick, carb-heavy snacks or sugary drinks can spike insulin and worsen breakouts.
- Sweat and bacteria: Helmets, backpacks, and gym gear trap sweat and oil against the skin, leading to body acne.
- Inconsistent skincare: Busy mornings or late nights make it easy to skip washing the face or removing makeup.
All of these small shifts can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and new or worsening breakouts.
Q: How can stress affect a teen’s skin beyond just acne?
A: Stress doesn’t just make acne worse — it also weakens the skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and sensitivity. Teens may start using harsh scrubs or spot treatments that irritate the skin further, setting off a frustrating cycle. Stress can also trigger habits like picking or touching the face, which increases inflammation and scarring risk.
Encouraging teens to maintain balance — adequate sleep, hydration, exercise, and time outdoors — can help both their skin and their overall well-being.
Q: What can parents do to help their teen manage acne and stress?
A: The most important thing parents can do is support consistency and avoid blame. Acne is a medical condition — not the result of poor hygiene — and it can take time to find the right treatment.
Here’s how parents can help:
- Encourage a simple, consistent skincare routine:
- Gentle cleanser twice daily
- Oil-free moisturizer
- Sunscreen every morning
- Spot treatment at night (if prescribed or recommended)
- Support healthy habits: Encourage balanced meals, water intake, and regular sleep — all of which can help calm skin inflammation.
- Keep communication open: Teens may feel embarrassed about acne. Let them know it’s common and treatable, and that seeing a dermatologist is normal.
- Avoid over-the-counter overload: Too many harsh products can dry and irritate skin. Dermatologists can guide you toward effective, evidence-based treatments tailored for teens.
Q: What acne treatments are available for teens?
A: Treatment depends on the type and severity of acne. At Borealis Dermatology, we customize every plan, but common approaches include:
- Topical therapies: Prescription-strength retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotic creams reduce bacteria and unclog pores.
- Oral medications: For moderate to severe acne, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments (for females), or isotretinoin may be options
- Professional treatments: Chemical peels, blue light therapy, and extractions can help clear acne faster and prevent scarring.
- Maintenance skincare: Once acne improves, a dermatologist-guided regimen keeps the skin clear and prevents recurrence.
It’s important to remember that acne takes time to respond to treatment — usually several weeks — so early intervention in the fall can help ensure clearer skin by winter.
Q: What are some preventive tips to keep skin clear during the school year?
A: A few small daily habits can make a big difference:
- Wash your face morning and night.
- Shower after sports or gym. Sweat and tight gear trap bacteria.
- Avoid touching or picking at pimples. It can cause scars.
- Change pillowcases weekly. Oils and bacteria accumulate overnight.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated and manage stress. Your skin reflects your overall health
Q: When should a teen see a dermatologist for acne?
A: If acne is leaving scars, is painful, or is affecting your teen’s self-esteem, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Professional treatment can prevent long-term scarring and help teens feel confident in their skin — and themselves.
