If you're dealing with teenage acne, you're definitely not alone. Breakouts are one of the most common skin concerns during puberty, and they can appear seemingly overnight.

One day, your skin is doing its thing. The next, you're dealing with spots, blackheads, oily skin and the occasional breakout that seems to appear just before something important.

The good news? Teenage acne is incredibly common, and there are simple ways to care for breakout-prone skin without attacking it with harsh products.

Why does teenage acne happen?

During puberty, the body goes through a whole lot of changes - and your skin is along for the ride.

Hormonal changes can cause the skin to produce more sebum, the natural oil that helps keep your skin moisturised. When there's more oil than your skin needs, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores.

These clogged pores can lead to:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Pimples
• Red, inflamed spots
• Breakouts

Bacteria can also play a role in acne, particularly when pores become blocked and inflamed.

So if you're suddenly experiencing acne during puberty, it isn't because you're "dirty" or not washing your face properly. Acne isn't a hygiene failure. It's skin doing what skin sometimes does during hormonal changes.

Does washing your face more help acne?

This is one of the biggest skincare myths.

It might seem logical that if oil contributes to breakouts, washing your face repeatedly will solve the problem.

Unfortunately, more washing isn't necessarily better.

Scrubbing your skin aggressively or using harsh cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight, dry and irritated. When your skin barrier becomes unhappy, your skin can become even more uncomfortable.

Instead, aim for a simple, gentle skincare routine for acne-prone skin.

Cleanse your face gently rather than scrubbing it, and avoid the temptation to keep washing every time you notice oil.

Common teenage acne mistakes

When a breakout appears, it's very easy to go into emergency mode.

But some common habits can actually make things worse.

1. Picking your spots

We know. It's tempting.

But squeezing or picking spots can irritate the skin and increase the risk of marks and scarring.

Try to leave your spots alone and let your skincare routine do the work.

2. Scrubbing your skin

Acne doesn't mean your skin needs to be scrubbed clean.

Harsh physical scrubs can irritate already-inflamed skin. Gentle cleansing is usually a better starting point.

3. Using too many products

A complicated skincare routine isn't necessarily a better skincare routine.

Trying multiple new products at once can make it difficult to work out what's helping - or what's irritating your skin.

Start simple.

4. Drying out your skin

There's a difference between reducing excess oil and completely stripping your skin.

Your skin still needs moisture, even when it's oily or acne-prone.

Look for products that support your skin rather than leaving it feeling painfully tight after cleansing.

What should a teenage skincare routine look like?

You really don't need a ten-step routine.

A simple teenage skincare routine can look something like this:

Morning

1. Gentle cleanse

Cleanse your skin without scrubbing or over-washing. See our WASH bar for a gentle cleansing solution.

2. Moisturiser

Use a lightweight moisturiser that works for your skin type. Our BALM is perfect for this and deal with any dry spots instantly.

3. SPF

Sun protection is important every day, particularly when you're using products that may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. SPF50 minimum. Yes, when it's cloudy or cold too. You'll thank us for this advice one day.

Evening

1. Cleanse

Wash away sweat, oil, sunscreen and the day's build-up. Our WASH bar can be used at night too.

2. Target specific concerns

If you're using an acne treatment, follow its instructions and introduce it gradually where appropriate. Use our BALM with microsilver to help combat the bacteria that causes acne and spot.

3. Moisturise

Finish with a moisturiser to help keep your skin comfortable and supported.

That's it.

Simple skincare is still skincare.

What ingredients should you look for?

When choosing skincare for acne-prone teenage skin, it's worth looking for products designed to cleanse effectively without unnecessarily stripping the skin.

Depending on your individual skin concerns, ingredients commonly used in acne skincare include things such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

However, stronger isn't automatically better.

If your skin is sensitive, dry, irritated or reacting to products, it's worth simplifying your routine rather than adding more and more active ingredients.

And if acne is painful, severe, persistent or affecting your confidence, speak to a doctor or dermatologist. Professional guidance can make a huge difference.

What about acne on the body?

Acne isn't limited to your face.

Breakouts can also appear on the:

• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders
• Upper arms

Sweat, friction, clothing and hormonal changes can all contribute to body breakouts.

A gentle body cleanser can help remove sweat and excess oil without the need for aggressive scrubbing. Again, our WASH bar is your go to here.

After sport or exercise, changing out of sweaty clothing and showering when practical can also help keep your skin comfortable.

You don't need perfect skin

This might be the most important part.

Having acne doesn't mean there's something wrong with you.

It doesn't make you dirty, unhealthy or less attractive.

And despite what social media might make it seem, real skin has pores, texture, oil, spots and imperfections.

The goal isn't necessarily to have completely flawless skin.

The goal is to understand your skin, take care of it gently and find a routine that works for you.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Mild breakouts can often be managed with a simple skincare routine, but it's important to get professional advice if acne is:

• Painful or deep
• Becoming severe
• Leaving scars or persistent marks
• Not improving
• Affecting your confidence or emotional wellbeing

A dermatologist can help identify the type and severity of acne and recommend appropriate treatment.

You don't have to simply "wait for puberty to end."

The Nubar approach to teenage skincare

At Nubar, we believe skincare for young people should be simple, gentle and straightforward.

No complicated routines. No unnecessary drama. No making young people feel like their skin needs to be "fixed."

Because growing up is already complicated enough.

Your skin doesn't need perfection. It needs care. Our range of WASH and BALM bars help you combat acne.

Real skin. Real growing. Real life.