Acne Treatment for Teens and Adults

Acne is common, but it is more than skin deep. It can affect confidence, mood and how you feel about being seen. We take it seriously and build a step-by-step plan for clearer skin, matched to your skin and your life.

Become a Patient

A teenage girl with curly hair looks closely at her skin in a bathroom mirror.

Understanding Acne

Acne happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria that normally live on the skin can then trigger inflammation. The result can be blackheads and whiteheads, red bumps, pus-filled pimples, or deep, painful nodules and cysts, most often on the face, chest, shoulders and back. Acne is very common in the teen years, and many adults, especially women, have it too, often along the jawline and chin. Acne ranges from mild to severe, and the right treatment depends on the type of acne and how much skin is affected.

Hormones play a big role. Rising androgen levels at puberty increase oil production, and hormone shifts around the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger breakouts. Genetics matter as well. Some medicines, such as corticosteroids, can cause acne, and heavy or oily skin and hair products, friction from helmets or sports gear, and picking can make it worse. Some research suggests diets high in sugar and refined starches, and possibly dairy, may play a role for some people. Acne is not caused by dirty skin, and harsh scrubbing can make it worse.

Treatment matters because acne can leave dark spots and permanent scars, and early care helps prevent them. Acne also affects how people feel. It is linked with lower self-esteem, anxiety and low mood in teens and adults alike, and those feelings deserve attention too. Acne care works well by telehealth. You can show your skin on camera, and clear photos taken in natural light help your provider see the pattern and track progress. For a child or teen, a parent or guardian joins the video visit. Severe nodular acne, scarring, and acne that may need isotretinoin are referred to a dermatologist.

Signs & Symptoms of Acne

Blackheads and whiteheads. Small clogged pores, open or closed, are often the earliest sign.
Red, tender bumps. Inflamed bumps called papules can be sore to the touch.
Pus-filled pimples. Pustules have a white or yellow center surrounded by redness.
Deep, painful lumps. Nodules and cysts sit deeper in the skin and are more likely to scar.
Breakouts beyond the face. Acne on the chest, shoulders and back is common.
Breakouts tied to your cycle. Flares before a period, along the jaw and chin, are common in women.
Dark or red spots. Marks left after pimples heal can last for months, especially on darker skin.
Scarring. Pitted or raised scars are a sign that stronger treatment may be needed.

What to Expect

A video visit to look at your skin on camera and review the products, medicines and routines you use
Clear photos taken in natural light to help track progress over time
A step-by-step plan using topical treatments, with oral or hormonal options when appropriate
Realistic timelines, since most treatments take 2 to 3 months to show their full effect
Referral to a dermatologist for severe nodular acne, scarring or isotretinoin

How We Treat Acne

Assessment

We start with a video visit to look at your skin and talk about when breakouts began, what you have tried, your skin and hair products, your medicines and, for women, how acne tracks with your cycle. Photos in natural light help. If signs point to a hormonal cause such as PCOS, labs may be ordered to a local lab.

Treatment Plan

Most plans start with topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid like adapalene or tretinoin, or a topical antibiotic used together with benzoyl peroxide. For moderate or widespread inflammatory acne, an oral antibiotic may be added for a limited time. For some women, birth control pills or spironolactone are effective hormonal options.

Ongoing Care

We check in after about 2 to 3 months, review photos and adjust the plan. Once skin is clearer, a maintenance routine, often with a topical retinoid, helps keep it that way. For severe nodular acne, scarring or acne that does not respond, we refer you to a dermatologist.

Benefits

Care for Teens and Adults

Whether it is a teen's first breakouts or adult hormonal acne, treatment is matched to age, skin type and goals.

Your Feelings Matter Too

Acne can affect confidence and mood. We take that seriously and make room to talk about it.

Care From Home

Video visits for patients located in Utah fit around school and work, and photos make it easier to track progress.

Your Treatment Journey

First Visit (Week 1)

We look at your skin on camera, review what you have tried and start a plan, often a gentle routine with a topical treatment.

Weeks 2 to 4

Some dryness, redness or mild peeling is common as skin adjusts, especially with retinoids, and acne may look a little worse before it improves. We help you manage irritation.

Months 2 to 3

Most treatments need 2 to 3 months to show their full effect. We review progress with new photos and add or change treatment if needed.

Long-Term Care

Once skin is clearer, a maintenance routine helps prevent new breakouts. We refer you to a dermatologist if acne is severe, scarring or not responding.

Warning Signs That Need Prompt Care

Sudden severe acne with fever. Painful, open, crusting acne with fever or joint aches is rare but needs prompt care.

Signs of a skin infection. A spot that becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen and painful, especially with fever, needs prompt evaluation.

Signs of hormone excess. Sudden acne with rapid hair growth, a deepening voice or missed periods should be evaluated promptly.

Deep, painful nodules or cysts. These can scar quickly and deserve timely treatment, often with a dermatology referral.

A severe skin reaction to a treatment. Severe blistering, peeling or burning means you should stop the product and have it checked.

An allergic reaction. Hives or swelling of the lips, face or tongue after a new medicine needs urgent care.

Pregnancy during treatment. If you become pregnant, stop retinoids, spironolactone and tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline, and contact the practice promptly.

Low mood or thoughts of self-harm. Acne can weigh heavily on mental health. If you are struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

When to Reach Out

Acne is treatable at every age. If breakouts are affecting your skin or your confidence, reach out through our contact page.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Current dermatology guidelines recommend benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids and topical antibiotics as the foundation of acne care, and topical antibiotics should be used together with benzoyl peroxide rather than alone to limit antibiotic resistance. Azelaic acid is another helpful option, including for dark spots. For moderate to severe inflammatory acne, an oral antibiotic such as doxycycline may be added along with topical treatment, ideally for about 3 to 4 months or less. For some women, combined birth control pills and spironolactone are effective hormonal treatments, and spironolactone is not used in pregnancy. Isotretinoin is highly effective for severe or scarring acne but requires close monitoring and strict pregnancy prevention, so it is typically managed by a dermatologist. Gentle cleansing, noncomedogenic moisturizers and daily sunscreen support every plan.

Common Questions About Acne

Can acne be treated by telehealth?

Yes, acne is well suited to video visits. You can show your skin on camera, and clear photos taken in natural light help your provider judge the type and severity of acne and track progress. Visits are for patients located in Utah, and a parent or guardian joins for children and teens. If labs are needed, they are ordered to a local lab.

How long does acne treatment take to work?

Most treatments take 2 to 3 months to show their full effect, and skin may look a little worse in the first few weeks, especially with retinoids. Sticking with the plan is key. If you are not seeing improvement by then, your plan can be adjusted.

Will I need to see a dermatologist?

Many people do well with care from their primary care provider. A dermatologist referral makes sense for severe nodular or cystic acne, acne that is scarring, acne that does not respond to treatment, or when isotretinoin may be the right choice, since it is typically managed by a dermatologist. We will help with that referral.

Can birth control help with acne?

For some women, yes. Certain combined birth control pills can reduce acne, especially hormonal acne along the jaw and chin. Spironolactone is another hormonal option. Your provider will review your health history, including blood clot risk and pregnancy plans, and talk through the benefits and risks.

Is acne caused by diet or not washing my face?

Acne is not caused by dirty skin, and scrubbing hard can make it worse. Washing gently twice a day and after sweating is enough. Some research suggests diets high in sugar and refined starches, and possibly dairy, may worsen acne for some people, but diet is rarely the whole story. Hormones and genetics play the biggest role.

Does insurance cover acne treatment?

Sagebrooke Family Medicine is an insurance-based practice, and we are in the process of joining insurance plans. What you pay depends on your plan, including any copay, deductible or coinsurance. Contact the practice to check whether your plan is accepted, and check with your insurer about coverage for prescription creams and medications, which can vary widely.

Take the First Step Toward Clearer Skin

Reach out through our contact page to ask about a telehealth visit for acne, for teens and adults located in Utah.