Teen Acne 101: The Glow-Up Guide Every Parent Needs
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Time to read 5 min
Parenting a teen in 2025 can feel like navigating a whole new world. Social media is everywhere, “hangouts” are the new parties, and their go-to outfits probably leave you scratching your head. But one thing hasn’t changed—acne. This classic teenage rite of passage might feel universal, but for many teens, breakouts hit harder than ever, especially in the age of selfies and video calls. Beyond the physical challenges, acne can impact confidence and emotional well-being.
Enter JB SKRUB: a skincare brand designed specifically for teen and tween boys (though anyone can use it). From gentle cleansers to targeted treatments, JB SKRUB makes it easy to tackle acne while embracing simple, effective routines.
Want to help your teen navigate their skincare glow-up? Here’s everything you need to know about acne causes, skincare routines, and boosting self-esteem.
Why Does Acne Happen Anyway?
Acne isn’t just about surface-level skin issues. It’s a complex condition influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are out of your teen’s control.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
During puberty, hormonal changes kick oil glands (sebaceous glands) into overdrive. Androgens, a group of hormones, increase sebum (oil) production. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, clogging pores and creating the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria.
Genetics and Skin Type
If you or your partner dealt with acne as teens, your child may inherit a similar predisposition. Some skin types are naturally oilier, which can make them more prone to breakouts.
Other Influences
From stress and diet to environmental factors like pollution, external triggers can also exacerbate acne. Understanding these can help you and your teen make informed choices to minimize flare-ups.
Step Up Their Skincare Game
🫛 Eat the Glow Way: Encourage balanced meals with skin-loving foods like leafy greens, berries, and nuts. Processed snacks and sugary drinks? Not so much.
💧 Hydration = Vibes: Drinking enough water is the OG skincare hack. Aim for 8 cups a day to keep their skin hydrated from the inside out.
🏃♂️ Move It to Clear It: Physical activity helps balance hormones and reduce stress—both major acne triggers. Whether it’s soccer, dance, or yoga, find something they’ll love.
😴 Prioritize Sleep: Teens need 8–10 hours of sleep. Beauty sleep is real—it keeps their skin (and mood) on point.
The JB SKRUB Routine: Building Healthy Habits
Consistency is key when it comes to managing acne, but for many teens and tweens, skincare routines can feel overwhelming or boring. JB SKRUB simplifies this process with products that are easy to use, effective, and specifically designed for teen skin.
1. Cleanse with the Face Wash
The JB SKRUB Face Wash is a game-changer for removing dirt, sweat, and oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Its gentle yet effective foaming formula is perfect for teens who need a quick and easy solution to refresh their skin morning and night.
Why it works:
Non-stripping formula: Maintains the skin’s natural barrier while cleansing.
Designed for active teens: Removes impurities after sports or outdoor play.
Encourage your teen to wash their face twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
2. Refresh with the Face Pads
The JB SKRUB Face Pads are a quick and effective way to clear away excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, leaving the face feeling clean and refreshed. Pre-soaked with skin-loving ingredients, these pads are perfect for teens who need a no-fuss solution to keep their skin balanced throughout the day. Whether they’re on the go or just finished a workout, the Face Pads make it easy to maintain healthy skin anytime, anywhere.
Why it works:
Exfoliating formula: Gently removes buildup to prevent clogged pores.
Convenient for busy teens: Easy to toss into a gym bag or backpack.
Balances the skin: Reduces shine without over-drying.
Encourage your teen to use the pads after sports, gym class, or whenever their skin needs a quick refresh. With these Face Pads, maintaining clear and healthy skin is as simple as swipe and go!
3. Hydrate with the Moisturizer
Hydration is critical, even for oily skin types. The JB SKRUB Moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it a no-fuss solution for teens. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it keeps skin balanced while helping prevent overproduction of oil.
Why it works:
Oil-free formula: Perfect for acne-prone skin.
Fast absorption: Ideal for teens who don’t want a sticky or heavy feel.
As an added bonus, our moisturize contains Chlorella Vulgaris which is an algae known to protect against blue light! Great for those who are constantly doom scrolling on their phones and iPads!
Spot the Triggers
Help your teen identify potential acne triggers and make small adjustments where possible.
Dirty Pillowcases: Encourage them to change pillowcases weekly. Bonus: Silk pillowcases are gentle on the skin and reduce friction.
Sweaty Gear: If your teen wears helmets or hats for sports, remind them to clean these items regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Picking Pimples: Teach them to avoid touching or picking at their skin, which can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.
Clean Those Tools: Makeup brushes, sponges and towels need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria buildup.
Boost Their Confidence
Acne can take a toll on self-esteem, especially when social media sets unrealistic beauty standards, but you can help your teen shine from the inside out:
- Create a Judgment-Free Zone: Let your teen vent about their skin struggles without fear of criticism. Sometimes, just being heard is enough to ease their worries.
- Shift the Focus to Inner Strengths: Help them recognize that their worth isn’t tied to their appearance. Highlight their talents, hobbies, and unique traits that make them shine.
Be a Positive Role Model: Demonstrate self-love by embracing your own imperfections. Teens often mimic their parents’ attitudes, so your confidence can inspire theirs.
If acne is affecting their mental health, consider reaching out to a therapist for extra support.
Teen Skincare Trends in 2025: What’s Hot Right Now?
Staying on top of trends can help engage your teen in their skincare routine. Here are the hottest buzzwords and concepts in skincare this year:
Skinimalism: Fewer products, more results. Teens love the simplicity of this trend.
Barrier Repair: Products that focus on maintaining a healthy skin barrier are all the rage.
Clean Beauty: Ingredient transparency is huge. Teens are gravitating towards brands that are eco-conscious and non-toxic (hint: JB SKRUB)
When to Call in the Pros
Sometimes, acne needs expert help. If your teen’s breakouts are severe, painful, or persistent, a dermatologist can create a custom treatment plan. From prescription creams to in-office treatments, there are tons of options to explore.
A Team Effort: Parenting Through Acne
Guiding your teen through their acne journey is about more than just clear skin—it’s about teaching them lifelong habits of self-care and self-love. By supporting them with a consistent routine, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional encouragement, you can help them feel confident, no matter what challenges come their way.
Remember, acne is a phase, but the lessons your teen learns now about resilience, patience, and self-acceptance will last far longer.
Jill Biren
Jill Biren spent 16 years as a publishing executive at Conde Nast. Specifically, Jill served as the Los Angeles Director for STYLE & LUXURY at Vogue, GQ, Glamour, Allure and Vanity Fair. During this time, Jill led brand and performance marketing campaigns for beauty and fashion companies.
As a mother of two boys, Jill recognized the evolving needs of young boys navigating puberty. Leveraging her professional network and resources, Jill assembled a team of beauty industry experts and pediatric physicians to create JB SKRUB.
