A good skincare routine for teens is shorter than most videos make it look: wash your face gently once or twice a day with a mild cleanser, keep your hands off your spots, and give whatever you do a few weeks to show results. That is the whole core. Pimples are a normal part of puberty, especially for boys, and a simple routine you can actually stick to beats a shelf full of products.
In brief:
- Pimples come from puberty hormones, extra oil and blocked pores, not from being dirty.
- Wash gently once or twice a day, and after sweaty sport.
- Never pick or squeeze spots: it can leave scars.
- Give any routine several weeks before you judge it.
- Painful, deep or scarring acne needs a doctor or dermatologist.
In this article · 9 min read
Start with what is going on under your skin. According to Nemours KidsHealth, acne is so common that it is considered a normal part of puberty. Hormone changes make the oil glands in your skin produce more sebum, and when too much sebum and too many dead skin cells block a pore, bacteria can get trapped inside and cause redness and swelling. The result can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples or deeper lumps, usually on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest. For most people acne fades almost completely by the time they are out of their teens (KidsHealth, reviewed 2021).
You are in good company, too. The Vidal medical reference says acne affects more than 70% of teenagers, boys in particular (Vidal, 2022). So if you have spots, you are not doing anything wrong, and you are far from the only one in your class.
A skincare routine for teens in four steps
Dermatologists keep the basics very plain. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises washing your face gently up to twice a day and after sweating, using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser applied with your fingertips, because scrubbing with washcloths, sponges and other tools can irritate your skin (AAD, acne skin care tips). The NHS gives almost the same advice: wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser, and do not scrub or pick (NHS, acne). Here is that advice turned into a routine you can follow in about two minutes.
- Wash. In the morning and before bed, wet your face with lukewarm water and rub a small amount of mild cleanser over it with your fingertips. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. Do not use a rough cloth.
- Moisturize lightly if your skin feels tight. Choose something light and labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic", which means it is not meant to clog pores. Skipping it is fine if your skin feels comfortable.
- Protect from the sun when you are outside. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on skin not covered by clothing, and one labeled "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores" (AAD). KidsHealth adds that a tan may hide acne for a while, but it does not make it go away.
- Leave your spots alone. Touching your face all day, and picking, popping or squeezing, can make acne flare and take longer to clear, and it raises the risk of scars and dark marks.
Here is how that looks over a normal day:
| When | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Wash gently, light moisturizer if needed, sunscreen if you are going out | Removes extra oil and sweat from the night, protects your skin |
| After sport or a sweaty day | Rinse or wash your face and change out of sweaty clothes | Sweat and friction can clog pores, especially on the back and chest |
| Evening | Wash gently, light moisturizer if needed | Clears the day's oil, sunscreen and dirt before sleep |
| Every few days | Shampoo if your hair is oily and keep it off your face | Oil from your hair can cause spots on your forehead |
That last row comes straight from the dermatologists: the AAD notes that oil from your hair can cause acne on your forehead, so if your hair is oily, shampoo more often and keep it off your face. KidsHealth also suggests keeping hair gels and sprays away from your skin, and washing your face after exercise.
What to skip in your skincare routine
A routine can fail because it does too much. A few things are better left out:
- Hard scrubbing. KidsHealth is clear that acne cannot be scrubbed away, and scrubbing may make it worse by irritating the skin and pores.
- Harsh products. The AAD says to avoid astringents, toners and exfoliants, which can dry your skin and make acne look worse. Choose gentle products, ideally "alcohol-free".
- Too many new things at once. The AAD warns that trying new acne treatments too often can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Change one thing at a time and give it time.
- Greasy products. Heavy creams, oils and some hair products can clog pores. Look for the words "non-comedogenic" on the label.
- Over-washing. More washing is not better. The NHS and AAD both stop at twice a day (plus after sweating), and the health-information service IQWiG points out that too much skin care can make irritation worse (IQWiG, Gesundheitsinformation.de).
If you want to try something from the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to help you choose and follow the instructions on the label exactly. KidsHealth warns that using more than the label says can dry your skin out and leave it looking and feeling worse.
Acne myths, sorted
| What people say | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| "Acne means you are dirty." | No. The health-information service IQWiG says there is no evidence that poor hygiene causes acne. Washing helps, but scrubbing harder does not. |
| "Chocolate and greasy food cause acne." | MedlinePlus says research does not show that chocolate, nuts or greasy foods cause acne. |
| "Food never matters." | Not quite. The AAD says small studies suggest a low-glycemic diet may mean fewer pimples, while other studies found no link, so more research is needed. KidsHealth says if a food clearly makes your breakouts worse, try cutting back on it. |
| "Popping a pimple makes it go away faster." | The opposite. Popping and squeezing can add inflammation and leave permanent scars (KidsHealth, AAD). |
| "A tan clears acne." | A tan can hide acne for a while, but it does not make it go away (KidsHealth). |
Sources for the table: MedlinePlus, Acne, AAD, diet and acne, KidsHealth and Gesundheitsinformation.de.
How long should you wait?
Be patient. The AAD says acne treatment can take several weeks to a few months before you see a difference, and that acne takes time to clear. IQWiG adds that most treatments have to be used for a long time to work, and that acne often goes away by itself around the age of 20, though some people still have it later. A good habit is to pick a routine, follow it every day for a few weeks, and only then decide whether it needs changing. Taking a photo in the same light every two weeks can help you notice small changes that you miss in the mirror.
Where the book fits
100 Mysteries of Puberty for Boys by Magda Pabst talks straight to you, in a direct and often funny tone. In its first chapter, the mystery about pimples explains that acne comes from oil and dead cells blocking your pores, and gives the same basics as above: wash twice a day with a mild cleanser and do not pop your pimples. It describes the idea that chocolate causes acne as largely disproven, and it treats acne as a real skin condition, which is why it encourages you to ask for a dermatologist if it is serious rather than just waiting it out. The same chapter covers the other body changes that often arrive together, such as sweat, body hair and your voice.
The book is not a medical guide, and it does not tell you which products to buy or promise that your skin will clear up. What it gives you is plain, friendly answers to questions many boys are too embarrassed to ask. Some later chapters are quite frank, so a parent may want to look through it first.
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
Home care is enough for many teens, but not for everyone. The NHS suggests seeing a doctor if:
- you have tried to treat acne yourself and it is not getting better;
- you have lots of spots, or the spots are deep, painful or leaving scars;
- the skin looks hot, swollen and red, which can be a sign of infection;
- acne is affecting how you feel, for example if you are avoiding school, sport or friends because of it.
The AAD gives a similar message: if you keep seeing breakouts after following the basic tips, work with a board-certified dermatologist, who can treat acne that is already there, prevent new breakouts and lower the risk of scars. Stronger treatments exist, but only a doctor can decide which one suits you. If you are feeling very low about your skin or anything else, tell an adult you trust, and you can find support services through the international directory findahelpline.com.
If your acne is on your back or chest, or sweat seems to make it worse, our guide to hygiene for teens explains how to handle sweat and body odor. You may also like the guide on when voice change starts in boys, another thing that tends to show up at the same time. Browse more on the Books Go blog or visit the Books Go Publications home page.
Frequently asked questions
Should boys have a different skincare routine from girls?
No. The basics are the same for everyone: gentle washing, light moisturizer if needed, sun protection and no picking. Boys are more often affected by acne, so the routine matters just as much for them.
How often should I wash my face with acne?
Once or twice a day is the usual advice, plus after sweating. Washing more than that does not clear acne faster and can irritate your skin.
Does chocolate cause pimples?
Research does not show that chocolate causes acne (MedlinePlus). A diet with lots of fast-digesting sugars may play a role for some people, but the evidence is mixed. If a food clearly seems to make your skin worse, you can try cutting back to see what happens.
Is it okay to pop a pimple if it has a white top?
It is better not to. Popping can push bacteria deeper, add inflammation and leave marks or scars. If a spot really bothers you, ask a pharmacist or dermatologist for advice.
How long until I see results?
Often several weeks to a few months. Change one thing at a time so you know what is working, and do not give up after a few days.
Do I need a doctor for acne?
Not always. See a doctor or dermatologist if acne is deep, painful, leaving scars, getting worse despite your routine, or upsetting you.
Sources
- Acne (for Teens), Nemours KidsHealth (reviewed November 2021)
- Acne: 6 at-home skin care tips from dermatologists, American Academy of Dermatology
- Can the right diet get rid of acne?, American Academy of Dermatology
- Acne, NHS (reviewed September 2026)
- Acne, MedlinePlus
- Akne, Gesundheitsinformation.de (IQWiG)
- Acné, Vidal (updated February 2022)
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a doctor, dietitian or other qualified professional.
