Teen Skincare Myths: What’s Actually Causing Your Breakouts
Truthful, Science-Backed Advice from Summit Dermatology – Medford, OR
Navigating your teen years is hard enough without acne making things more difficult. For many teens, skincare feels overwhelming—especially with advice coming from TikTok influencers, YouTube routines, and random social media “experts.” Unfortunately, some of the most popular acne “hacks” are actually making things worse.
At Summit Dermatology in Medford, OR, we help teens (and their parents) separate fact from fiction and build real routines that support clear, healthy skin—no gimmicks required. Here’s a breakdown of common skincare myths we hear in the exam room—and what you should do instead.
Myth #1: “The More I Wash My Face, the Better.”
The Truth: Over-cleansing can damage your skin barrier, strip away healthy oils, and actually trigger more oil production. Most teens only need to wash their face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. After workouts or sports, a gentle rinse is helpful, but harsh cleansers or scrubbing after every activity will backfire.
What to Use Instead:
Stick to a dermatologist-approved cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin, like the ones we recommend at Summit Dermatology. Hydrinity’s non-comedogenic cleanser is also perfect for sensitive or dry skin.
Myth #2: “Pore Strips Will Clear My Blackheads for Good.”
The Truth: Pore strips may temporarily remove surface debris, but they don’t treat the root of the issue—and they often cause irritation or enlarged pores over time. They can even damage delicate skin around the nose.
Better Solution:
Topical retinoids like adapalene (available over the counter or prescription) gently clear clogged pores and prevent future breakouts. Pair with a consistent routine and targeted facials like HydraFacials for long-term clarity.
Myth #3: “Scrubbing My Skin Will Get Rid of Acne Faster.”
Sunspots, freckles, and melasma can darken during summer months due to increased melanin activity. Once fall arrives, you can safely start fading them with treatments that target pigment at the source.
The Truth: Rough exfoliation leads to microtears, redness, and inflammation—making acne worse and sometimes triggering a flare-up. Harsh scrubs can also disrupt the pH balance of the skin and cause increased oil production.
What to Do Instead:
Use chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or glycolic acid a few times a week under dermatologic guidance. Products from NOON Aesthetics and SkinBetter Science offer medical-grade solutions that improve cell turnover without over-stripping.
Myth #4: “I Just Need Better Drugstore Products.”
The Truth: While some OTC products can be helpful, acne is often hormonal or bacterial in nature—meaning it may require prescription-strength treatment. Many teens bounce from product to product, damaging their skin and never seeing results.
Why It Matters:
At Summit Dermatology, we customize your skincare plan to your unique skin type and acne severity. We can prescribe topical treatments, oral medications if needed, and guide you through professional treatments like light therapy or HydraFacials that work.
Myth #5: “My Diet Doesn’t Matter.”
The Truth: Diet absolutely plays a role in some acne cases. High-glycemic foods, sugary drinks, and dairy (especially skim milk) can trigger breakouts in certain individuals. While diet isn’t the only factor, it can worsen inflammation or hormonal imbalances.
Better Habits:
Encourage teens to hydrate, eat whole foods, and limit processed sugar. We often pair treatment with lifestyle coaching to help identify hidden triggers for stubborn breakouts.
Myth #6: “Acne Will Just Go Away on Its Own.”
The Truth: While many teens “grow out of” acne, it can take years—and waiting can lead to permanent scarring and pigmentation. Early intervention not only speeds up healing but also boosts confidence and helps avoid long-term skin damage.
Why See a Dermatology Provider:
Whether your teen has occasional blackheads or painful cystic acne, our team can diagnose the type of acne, determine the cause, and build a plan that works. No judgment—just compassionate, effective care.
The Right Routine for Teens
We simplify teen skincare using proven, gentle, effective products:
Cleanse (AM & PM): Use a gentle, acne-fighting cleanser.
Treat (PM): Retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide—depending on the skin’s needs.
Hydrate: Yes, even oily skin needs moisture! Try Hydrinity’s Renewing HA Serum for lightweight hydration.
Protect: Sunscreen every single day—even for acne-prone skin. NOON Aesthetics offers great options that won’t clog pores.
We also offer treatments like:
Teen HydraFacials
Deep clean pores, calm inflammation, and brighten skin without downtime.Blue Light Therapy
Kills acne-causing bacteria under the skin and prevents future breakouts.Microneedling (for acne scars)
Helps teens with early signs of scarring to rebuild smooth skin and boost confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age should a teen start seeing a dermatologist for acne?
We treat acne in kids as young as 9 or 10 if they’re showing signs of early breakouts. Sooner is better—especially to prevent scarring.
2. What’s the best product to start with at home?
A gentle cleanser and a topical with either salicylic acid or adapalene is a solid place to begin. We can personalize from there.
3. How long before we see results?
Most treatments take 6–12 weeks to show significant improvement. Patience and consistency are key.
4. Are treatments like HydraFacials safe for teens?
Yes—HydraFacials are safe, non-invasive, and highly effective for clearing pores and calming breakouts.
5. Can makeup cause acne?
Some makeup can clog pores, especially if not removed properly. We recommend non-comedogenic makeup and proper removal each night.
6. Will acne go away after puberty?
For some, yes—but others continue to struggle into their 20s or beyond. It’s best to treat acne early to prevent emotional and physical scarring.
Why Teens (and Parents) Trust Summit Dermatology
At Summit Dermatology, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all advice—we offer proven treatments, science-backed products, and ongoing support for every skin journey. Teens love our gentle approach, parents appreciate our education-first style, and together, we build confidence one clear-skin win at a time.
✔️ Board-certified dermatology-led care
✔️ Acne treatments tailored to teens
✔️ Safe, effective in-office solutions and skincare plans
✔️ Warm, compassionate team who listens and guides every step of the way
Summit Dermatology & Aesthetics
🏢 Address: 1910 East Barnett Road, Suite 101, Medford, OR 97504
🕒 Clinic Hours: Monday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📞 Phone: 541-200-2022
💬 Let’s bust the myths—and build real results. Book your teen’s acne consultation with Summit Dermatology today.
