Best Acne Treatment for Teens

Treating acne isn't easy, and we've all attempted at least one DIY remedy in our lifetime. But there’s no need to keep slathering honey, yogurt, toothpaste, and whatever else the internet tells you to put all over your face. We’ve done the research and chosen the best acne treatment for teens that actually work. 

Continue reading to find out which products we love and why.

Our Top Picks At a Glance:

  • TreeActiv Invisible Acne Spot Treatment
  • Hero Cosmetics Mighty Acne Pimple Patch Duo
  • La Roche-Posay Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment
  • TreeActiv Acne Scar Cream
  • TreeActiv Acne Treatment Face Spray

#1: TreeActiv Invisible Acne Spot Treatment

TreeActiv’s Invisible Acne Spot Treatment tops the list of best acne treatment for teens because not only is it effective, it’s completely invisible and mess-free. Some topical products can produce a white or yellow film over the skin, and we definitely don't want that. The TreeActiv Invisible Acne Spot Treatment is a clear gel that combats severe acne by using powerful, active ingredients, such as salicylic acid. Since the gel is clear, it can be worn underneath makeup as it doesn't leave any residue. 

This small but mighty product uses highly concentrated ingredients to clear up redness, reduce blemishes, and heal acne quickly. Reviewers love that only a small amount is required to make a big difference.

Consumer Review: "Throughout my high school career I have struggled with acne. I have looked for many different ways to remedy this and this has by far been the most effective. It not only helps treat cystic acne, but also hormonal acne and clogged pores. Very limited amounts of the product are required to produce results…For the price of this product, the quality is blatantly unmatched."

Pros

  • Can be worn under makeup
  • Unclogs pores
  • Suitable for all types of acne in teens

Things to Consider

  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Contains essential oils

Best Feature

Tea tree oil is known to dry up excess sebum and balance oil production on the skin. This allows the acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid, to deeply penetrate stubborn acne and prevent future breakouts.

Price & Rating

  • Price: $22.99 (0.5 oz jar, $45.98 per oz)
  • Rating: 4.1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendation

Great for acne-prone skin and perfect for teenagers that want a powerful acne treatment while wearing makeup.

#2: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Duo

Pimple patches are a great way to target teenage acne, such as whiteheads or cystic acne. You can avoid using topical creams or gels with the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Duo. This set includes both clear and skin-colored patches for use during the day, or while you're sleeping at night.

Consumer Review: "It stays on all day & night. The invisible patches help cover really red/inflamed bumps and make them look not as noticeable. Can definitely tell a difference in the healing time."

Pros

  • Non-drying
  • Alternative to topical antibiotics and treatments
  • Good for oily, dry, and combination skin types

Things to Consider

  • Does not contain any medication, only hydrocolloid

Best Feature

The invisible+ patch allows you to cover those pesky pimples during the day without being too noticeable. 

Price & Rating

  • Price: $7 (12 patches, $0.58 per patch)
  • Rating: 4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendation

Great for hormonal fluctuations, cystic acne, and inflammatory acne.

#3: La Roche-Posay Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment

Known for their other skincare products, La Roche-Posay created this spot treatment to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin with a micro-exfoliant called LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid), which is a derivative of salicylic acid. 

Consumer Review: "This is an effective, yet gentle spot treatment at 5% benzoyl peroxide. I love the small tip which allows you to squeeze out a small amount of product. It will improve a small or superficial pimple overnight."

Pros

  • Non-irritating micro-exfoliant
  • Easy for on-the-go treatment
  • Safe for sensitive skin

Things to Consider

  • Contains benzoyl peroxide
  • Contains glycerin

Best Feature

This product is oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and paraben free.

Price & Rating

  • Price: $29.99 (1.35 oz, $22.21 per oz)
  • Rating: 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendation

A great spot treatment for mild acne, moderate acne, and those with oily skin.

#4: TreeActiv Acne Scar Cream

People with acne may have a hard time keeping their hands off their pimples. While popping pimples may be satisfying, this can cause concerns such as acne scarring, skin discoloration, and dark spots. The TreeActiv Acne Scar Cream was specifically designed to help reduce the appearance of acne scarring. 

Not only does it reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots that acne has left behind, but it also promotes skin cell regeneration and improves your skin’s tone and appearance by reducing hyperpigmentation. It’s a plant-based, natural solution to removing acne scars that don’t require costly and invasive removal treatments.

Consumer Review: "This is probably one of the best acne scar removers I have ever tried! It worked very well and I saw a noticeable amount of my acne scars go down with only one week of treatment. Although the pimple marks are not completely gone, they have significantly improved. It went on my skin very smoothly and didn’t irritate my skin at all nor did it make it feel sticky. Overall a great buy and I will be purchasing it again when I run out."

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Can be used on new or old scars
  • Contains aloe vera which heals and soothes irritated skin

Things to Consider

  • Contains essential oils
  • Contains quaternized honey

Best Feature

Rosehip Oil is a powerful, natural ingredient that brightens skin, minimizes pigmentation, and overall improves your skin condition.

Price & Rating

  • Price: $22.99 (2 oz jar, $11.45 per oz)
  • Rating: 3.9 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendation

Perfect for teens struggling with dark spots, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

#5: TreeActiv Acne Treatment Face Spray

Looking for an easy way to keep your acne under control and prevent future acne breakouts? Consider using the TreeActiv Acne Treatment Face Spray. This spray is great for oily or dry skin as it moisturizes the skin without producing excess sebum, which can dry out and irritate the skin.

This acne spray will give your skin a hydrating boost throughout the day while removing dirt and excess oil to prevent future breakouts. It’s a great product to throw in your gym bag, purse, or locker and use it whenever you need a skin boost.

Consumer Review: "Oh my gosh! I can't even tell you how much this spray was a lifesaver. I had a small pimple and I sprayed it overnight and the next day and it disappeared by that afternoon. I wish I had taken a picture of a before and after cause, it was literally so surprising. I love that the ingredients are just regular plant-based things and nothing too harsh or drying on my face."

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Great for travel
  • Suitable for dry skin with inflammatory acne

Things to Consider

  • Contains essential oils
  • Contains salicylic acid and witch hazel

Best Feature

Lemongrass water is a gentle cleanser, that is good for sensitive skin and promotes healthy skin.

Price & Rating

  • Price: $12.80 (4 oz bottle, $0.85 per gram)
  • Rating: 4.2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendation

This product is one of the best treatments for acne as it's easy to use, affordable, and highly effective.

How to Pick the Best Acne Product

If you have sensitive or inflamed skin, try to avoid products that contain alcohol as this could potentially dry out your skin and cause further irritation. Effective acne products are essential for acne management. If over-the-counter products aren't working out for you, review your treatment options with a licensed professional, such as a dermatologist.

The Bottom Line

Busy popping a pimple? Stop! - here are our picks for the best acne treatment for teens.

If you ever have any questions regarding what products are right for you, our team is here to help 24/7. Please visit our contact page here to speak with a member of our friendly customer support team.

Looking for more acne products for you or your teen? Click here to check out more acne-fighting products from TreeActiv.
Written by TreeActiv Team