Acne is one of the most common skin concerns affecting both teenagers and adults, yet the reasons, severity, and treatment approaches can be very different for each age group. While teenage acne is usually driven by hormonal changes during puberty, adult acne can be linked to stress, lifestyle choices, skincare habits, underlying health issues, and environmental factors. Regardless of age, acne can affect confidence, cause emotional distress, and leave behind stubborn scars if not treated properly.
Today, with advanced dermatology care, acne is not only treatable but can be completely managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and cutting-edge laser therapies. In this blog, we explore the causes of acne across age groups and the effective solutions available at Dr. Bansal’s clinic.
Acne develops when the pores of the skin become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and in severe cases, nodules and cysts.
1. Teen Acne
During teenage years, hormone levels—especially androgens—rise significantly. This triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Combined with irregular skincare habits, oily foods, stress from exams, and exposure to pollution, acne becomes extremely common.
2. Adult Acne
Adult acne tends to be more persistent and is often influenced by:
Stress and hectic lifestyles
Menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations
Pregnancy or postpartum hormonal shifts
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Use of heavy cosmetics
Poor sleep habits
Unbalanced diets
Environmental pollution
Gut health issues
Adult acne usually appears around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, and it may be more inflammatory and painful.
Types of Acne
Understanding the type of acne helps in choosing the right treatment:
Whiteheads – closed clogged pores
Blackheads – open clogged pores
Papules – small red bumps
Pustules – pus-filled pimples
Nodules – large painful lumps under the skin
Cystic acne – deep, inflamed, and severe acne that often leads to scarring
Dr. Bansal’s clinic offers customized treatment plans targeted to the exact type and severity of the acne.
Lifestyle plays a major role in controlling acne. Simple daily changes can significantly reduce breakouts:
1. Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine
Use a gentle cleanser twice a day.
Avoid harsh scrubs—they irritate the skin and worsen acne.
Use non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking) skincare and makeup.
Never sleep with makeup on.
2. Watch Your Diet
Certain foods trigger inflammation and hormonal imbalance:
Reduce sugary foods, dairy, fried foods, and processed snacks.
Increase water intake, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, omega-3 foods, and probiotics for gut health.
3. Manage Stress
High stress increases cortisol, which boosts oil production.
Techniques like yoga, meditation, breathwork, exercise, and quality sleep can help balance hormones.
4. Maintain Hygiene
Change pillowcases every 3–4 days.
Avoid touching your face frequently.
Clean your phone screen regularly.
Keep hair clean and away from the face to prevent clogged pores.
These habits support long-term acne control, but moderate to severe acne usually needs medical intervention.
Dermatologists often combine several clinical treatments to reduce active acne, control oil production, kill acne-causing bacteria, and prevent scarring.
1. Topical Treatments
These include:
Retinoids to unclog pores and promote cell turnover
Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria
Salicylic acid for exfoliation
Azelaic acid to reduce inflammation
Antibiotic creams for bacterial control
Dr. Bansal customizes topical routines depending on skin sensitivity and acne severity.
2. Oral Medications
For moderate to severe acne:
Oral antibiotics reduce inflammation and bacteria.
Hormonal therapy (for women) helps control hormonal acne.
Oral retinoids (Isotretinoin) are used for stubborn acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
These medications must be taken under strict dermatological supervision.
Chemical peels using salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid help:
Deep clean pores
Reduce oil production
Lighten dark spots
Improve skin texture
Speed up healing
They are safe and very effective when done at regular intervals.
At Dr. Bansal’s clinic, advanced laser procedures offer faster, long-lasting results, especially for stubborn acne and acne scars.
1. Laser Acne Reduction
Laser therapy reduces acne in two ways:
Targets and kills acne-causing bacteria
Shrinks sebaceous glands, reducing future breakouts
It is safe for both teens and adults and gives noticeable results in a few sessions.
2. Chemical Rejuvenation Laser
Perfect for oily skin and recurring acne, this laser:
Deep cleans pores
Reduces blackheads
Minimizes active acne
Controls oil production
It also improves overall skin brightness and texture.
3. Acne Scar Laser Treatments
Once acne heals, scars may remain. Dr. Bansal offers:
Fractional CO₂ laser
Microneedling RF
Erbium Glass laser
These treatments help:
Smoothen depressed scars
Stimulate collagen
Improve skin elasticity
Even out skin tone
Laser scar therapy provides long-term improvement and can drastically enhance confidence.
4. LED Light Therapy
Blue light kills acne bacteria
Red light reduces inflammation and heals skin
This is a painless, relaxing procedure suitable for teens and adults.
Dr. Bansal provides a scientific, personalized, and holistic approach to acne management:
Detailed skin analysis
Customized treatment plans
Combination of medical + lifestyle + laser therapies
Advanced technology and safe procedures
Long-term skin maintenance guidance
Each patient receives a treatment plan designed for their specific skin type, acne stage, and lifestyle.
Acne may be common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re a teenager dealing with hormonal breakouts or an adult struggling with persistent acne, the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and advanced laser therapies can give you clear, healthy, confident skin.
With early intervention and expert guidance from Dr. Bansal, acne can be managed effectively—leaving you with clearer skin and renewed confidence.