Dermatologists point teens to retinoids, benzoyl peroxide for acne care
NBC Select says teen acne can often be treated with over-the-counter cleansers, retinoids, spot gels and pimple patches.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
Dermatologists are steering teenagers with acne toward a short list of over-the-counter ingredients, including adapalene, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The guidance matters for many families: the National Institutes of Health says acne affects an estimated 80% of people ages 11 to 30 at some point.
NBC Select reported that acne is most common in girls ages 14 to 17 and in boys ages 16 to 19, citing the NIH. Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, told NBC Select that acne can be stressful for teenagers but that most cases are curable.
What dermatologists recommend
NBC Select said the products it highlighted are noncomedogenic and use either gentle ingredients or acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. The list covers face washes, body washes, spot treatments, retinoids, exfoliating pads and pimple patches.
Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Washington Square Dermatology in New York City, told NBC Select that Differin Gel is the one acne product he would start with if choosing a single option. NBC Select said Differin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel contains 0.1% adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid that experts said helps regulate cell turnover in pores and reduce clogging.
NBC Select reported that Differin should be applied across the face at bedtime after washing with a gentle cleanser and drying the skin. Gohara told NBC Select that retinoids such as Differin should not be used as spot treatments because that can irritate the skin.
Benzoyl peroxide options
For individual pimples, NBC Select named Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel as a leading spot treatment. Gohara and Jaber both favor the product, according to NBC Select, and the brand says it can reduce the size and redness of acne in two hours.
NBC Select said the Neutrogena spot gel contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. Experts told NBC Select that benzoyl peroxide works by limiting the growth of bacteria associated with acne, though the product can irritate skin.
NBC Select also highlighted PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, which it said contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, the strongest concentration sold without a prescription. NBC Select reported that the wash can be used on the body, helps clean and unclog pores and includes moisturizing ingredients, according to the brand. The outlet also noted that benzoyl peroxide products can irritate skin and may bleach clothing.
Cleansers and patches
For oily, acne-prone skin, Jaber recommended foam-based cleansers to NBC Select. The outlet included CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser among its top picks and said the fragrance-free, noncomedogenic cleanser is designed to remove excess oil, dirt and makeup.
NBC Select also recommended Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, which the brand says contains 2% salicylic acid and removes dirt, oil, grime, impurities and bacteria. NBC Select advised people trying a salicylic acid cleanser for the first time to begin by using it every other day.
For covering blemishes, NBC Select listed Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+ Patch as its pimple patch pick. The outlet said pimple patches can help prevent picking and reduce pimple size.
NBC Select said its product list includes items selected in line with dermatologist guidance, and noted that it may earn a commission when readers buy through its links.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.