Teenage acne is common, but that doesn’t mean it is “normal,” or something to be ignored. Acne can be painful and impact self confidence. It is emotionally distressing at a time when self-esteem may be somewhat fragile.
Looking for a teen acne dermatologist near you? Advanced Dermatology works with you to design a custom treatment plan. Visit our offices in Lincolnshire and Glencoe that serve patients local to Chicago and the surrounding North Shore areas.

Teenage Acne Treatments Available

Teen treatments are done in conjunction with parental input and approval (until the child reaches age 18). We offer a large variety of acne treatments for teenagers using a broad range of topical and oral prescription medications. We usually start with simple, less invasive options and move into more aggressive treatments if they are unsuccessful.

Teenage acne treatment options include:

  • Topical agents: Prescription topical agents are very safe and effective in treating acne and are often used as first line therapy. These topical agents are categorized as either antibacterial or comedolytic (unclogging pores).
  • Oral medications: Oral medications such as antibiotics, hormone modulators, and Isotretinoin (Accutane) have also proven to be very effective in treating acne by improving current acne breakouts and preventing recurrences.
  • Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
  • Isolaz: Similar to other acne procedures, Isolaz treats acne with light energy and uses a gentle vacuum to draw up dirt, blackheads, and excessive oil from your pores.
  • Microdermabrasion: DiamondGlow™ is a water-based microdermabrasion that includes an infusion of serums. It can be tailored to acne therapy to clear pores of excessive debris.
  • Omnilux therapy: This blue, red, and infrared light therapy kills bacteria and quiets inflammation. 
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT uses light or laser energy to fight acne in combination with a Levulan liquid. 

Isotretinoin (Accutane): If the acne is unresponsive to traditional therapy or procedural therapy, or if there is scarring, we may recommend going this route.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

During your first appointment, our dermatologists will take time to understand your skin concerns, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. We may also take photos to track progress over time. You’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan—and a clear understanding of the next steps.

How to Determine the Best Treatment

A dermatologist will consider several factors when determining where to begin. First, we assess the type of acne. While inflammatory pimples and bumps may respond well to benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics, cystic or severe acne might do better with hormonal medications or isotretinoin.

Additionally, we assess the severity of acne. While mild acne may be managed with over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments, more severe acne might require a combination of treatments, oral, and topical medications.

Finally, we’ll consider medical history and any existing conditions or medications to ensure we choose a safe path forward. Finding a treatment plan that is truly personalized to your background and needs is important to our dermatology team. Click here to request an appointment at our Lincolnshire or Glencoe location.