Combat Teen Acne with Murad

"My 13 year-old twins are at that age where they are getting the occasional blemish and they asked me about skincare products to help with their changing skin needs. Luckily neither of them suffer from really bad acne breakouts, but even the occasional breakout is enough to send any teenager over the edge! So I decided to ask the team at Murad for help. I know others moms are curious about this too.” –Joan Lunden

What Dr. Murad Says About Teen Acne

The leading cause of teen acne is an increase in hormone levels which sends oil production into overdrive. There are hundreds of over-the-counter acne products promising to treat mild to moderate acne and periodic breakouts. But the only products that can legitimately make that claim are those that have an FDA-approved acne-fighting medication. The medication that gives many of Murad’s acne formulas their unique power is Salicylic Acid.  

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic Acid is a multi-active beta hydroxy acid. It’s Dr. Murad’s choice for teen acne because it helps treat, heal and prevent acne without over-drying or irritating skin—common side effects of other medications that can actually cause more acne breakouts. Salicylic Acid fights the breakout within the pore by helping to normalize excessive shedding of cells and excess oil production—the primary contributors to blocked pores and breakouts. Salicylic Acid also gently exfoliates the upper layer of the skin to help keep pores clear and unblocked.

Plus, it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps calm red, swollen acne-stressed skin. This combination of benefits makes it ideal for dealing with teen acne, and for improving the health of the skin to inhibit the formation of future breakouts.

For teens and pre-teens looking to get rid of blackheads, pimples and red spots, Murad’s Acne Starter Kit is a good place to begin. It’s a maximum strength regimen that delivers fast results. Here’s what’s included in the kit:

1. Clarifying Cleanser is a daily gel cleanser that combats acne and skin breakouts. This refreshing formula washes away pore-clogging grime, oil and irritants. The active ingredient is Salicylic Acid 1.5%.

2. Acne Clearing Solution quickly treats breakouts, blemishes, and redness while helping restore skin clarity. The reason it’s so effective is that it targets the underlying causes of acne to help prevent future breakouts. It’s lightweight and non-greasy. The active ingredient is Salicylic Acid 0.5%. 

2. Acne Spot Fast Fix is a powerful spot treatment that focuses extra-strength medication right on the pimple. It fights acne-causing bacteria to quickly reduce breakouts and also reduces redness so blemishes are less noticeable—perfect for image conscious teens. The active ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide 3.5%, which really kicks treatment up a notch but can be very drying for those with sensitive skin.

3. Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 is a shine-reducing moisturizer that creates an immediate matte surface and controls oil for up to 8 hours. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen and that goes double for teens treating acne because Salicylic Acid (and other acne medications) can make skin more sun-sensitive. Teens with breakouts think that moisturizers and sunscreens are the worst thing in the world for their complexion because many greasy drugstore sunscreens can actually make acne worse. But all skin needs moisture and protection to stay healthy and Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 was formulated so that it won’t clog pores—plus it leaves skin looking matte perfect, so it’s a great choice for blemish-prone teens who worry about looking or feeling oily.