Acne Treatment

The Ultimate Guide to Treating Teen & Adult Acne

A Clinical Approach to Clearing Breakouts, Reducing Inflammation, and Restoring Skin Confidence. | Published on

Guide to treating teen and adult acne

Acne affects both teenagers and adults, but the causes, triggers, and best treatments can be very different. At Our Skin Clinic, we approach acne using clinical assessment, UV skin analysis, and evidence-based treatments tailored to your skin type, sensitivity level, and lifestyle.

This guide explains what drives acne, why it persists into adulthood, and how professional treatments can significantly improve breakouts, inflammation, scarring, and pigmentation.

What Causes Acne?

Modern dermatology research shows that acne is driven by four main processes: excess sebum (oil) production, clogged pores from dead skin cell build-up, Cutibacterium acnes inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations. Recent reviews highlight inflammation as a key factor in both teen and adult acne, even before a spot forms (Dréno et al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, 2018). At Our Skin Clinic, this is why we focus on treatments that calm inflammation, restore balance, and clear congestion safely.

Teen Acne vs Adult Acne: Key Differences

Teen Acne

  • Caused mainly by hormonal surges and increased oil production.
  • Common on the T-zone.
  • Responds well to deep-cleansing facials, peels, and LED.
  • Often improves with consistent treatments.

Adult Acne

  • Linked to stress, hormones, inflammation, cosmetic products, and lifestyle.
  • Appears more on the jawline and cheeks.
  • Frequently coexists with sensitivity or dryness.
  • Needs a gentler but more strategic plan.

Recent studies show adult acne is rising—particularly in women—and may require combination therapy (Rocha & Bagatin, International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2018).

How Our Skin Clinic Treats Acne

Our treatment approach includes a detailed skin consultation, lifestyle assessment, and UV skin analysis to identify hidden congestion, levels of inflammation, pigmentation from old spots, hormonal breakout patterns, and scarring or texture damage. This ensures your treatment plan is accurate and personalised.

  1. 1. Acne Facial (Deep Cleanse + Extractions + LED)

    This treatment is ideal for clients with active breakouts or clogged pores. It includes medical-grade exfoliation, extractions, High Frequency, and Blue LED light (kills acne-causing bacteria). Blue light therapy has been shown to significantly reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation (Kwon et al., Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 2018).

  2. 2. Chemical Peels (Glow Peel, TCA, PRX-T33)

    Chemical peels help by reducing oil build-up, exfoliating dead skin cells, improving pigmentation, calming inflammation, and preventing new breakouts. Glycolic peels have shown strong results in improving acne and post-acne marks (Garg et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021). At Our Skin Clinic, we select peel strength based on your skin tone, sensitivity, and acne severity.

  3. 3. PRX-T33 for Inflamed or Sensitive Acne

    PRX-T33 is ideal for clients who want improvement without visible peeling. It promotes skin regeneration, reduced inflammation, faster healing, and a brighter complexion. This treatment is well-tolerated and suitable alongside other acne therapies.

  4. 4. Microneedling (SkinPen) for Acne Scarring

    Once active acne is controlled, microneedling helps improve pitted scars, texture irregularities, pigmentation, and overall skin smoothness. Microneedling is supported by recent evidence as an effective, low-downtime option for scarring (Asif et al., Dermatologic Surgery, 2016). We perform microneedling only when the skin is stable and active breakouts are minimal.

  5. 5. LED Therapy (Dermalux)

    Our Dermalux LED system uses clinically proven wavelengths to reduce inflammation, calm redness, support healing, and improve future breakouts. Near-infrared and blue LED have shown significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects (Lima et al., Journal of Cosmetic & Laser Therapy, 2020).

  6. 6. Personalised Skincare Routine

    A correct skincare routine is essential. During your consultation, we may recommend Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Retinoids (if suitable), Barrier-supporting moisturisers, and Oil-free SPF. Skincare plays a major role in long-term acne control (Thiboutot et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2018).

  7. 7. Lifestyle Triggers Addressed During Consultation

    These may include stress, poor sleep, diet (especially high-GI foods), hair or skincare products, and hormonal fluctuations. A full assessment helps us identify what is contributing to your breakouts.

Restore Your Skin Confidence

Acne is a highly treatable condition when approached with clinical accuracy. At Our Skin Clinic, we combine evidence-based treatments such as peels, LED therapy, PRX-T33, microneedling, and targeted facials to help clear breakouts and restore skin confidence. With consistent care and a personalised plan, both teen and adult acne can be significantly improved. Book your consultation today!