When to See a Dermatologist for Acne in Teens: Key Signs

Acne & pimples are among the most common skin concerns for teenagers.1 While some breakouts can be managed at home with basic skincare, there are times when professional help becomes essential.2,3 Knowing when to see a dermatologist can help prevent long-term issues like scarring, pigmentation and even emotional distress.1

Here are some signs that suggest it’s time to consult a specialist:

Breakouts That Don’t Respond to Basic Skincare 

It’s normal to try simple fixes first—washing your face twice a day, using a gentle cleanser or trying over-the-counter gels and creams.3 But if you’ve been consistent with these basics and your acne is still getting worse, that’s a sign you need to consult a dermatologist.4

Why? Because although cleansers and moisturisers are recommended as part of the general acne management plan, they might not be enough.5 That’s where a dermatologist comes in. They can prescribe dermatologist-recommended topical acne treatments that act beneath the surface, targeting the real causes of acne—excess oil, bacteria and clogged pores—for best results.5,6

So, if your current skincare solution feels like it’s doing something but not quite enough, do not fret. It simply means your skin needs extra support—and the right acne solution can make a noticeable difference.5


Painful, inflamed or spreading acne

Some pimples are more than just a bump on the skin—they hurt.6 If your acne feels sore to the touch, looks swollen or keeps spreading to new areas like your cheeks, jawline, back or chest, it’s a red flag.6

This type of acne often extends deeper under the skin and can leave long-term marks if not treated the right way.3 Trying to squeeze them usually makes things worse, leading to scars and even infection.2

Dermatologists see this kind of acne all the time and usually recommend proven treatments—often starting with topical therapies7 that calm inflammation, fight bacteria and stop new breakouts before they get a chance to flare up.1 With the right care, painful acne doesn’t have to take over your skin or your confidence.


Visible acne scars or dark spots starting to form

Sometimes, even after a pimple heals, it leaves behind a reminder—like a dark spot or a scar. This also happens when the acne is picked or popped.1 

While it’s common, it can feel frustrating.1 Scars and spots can also become permanent in some cases and need treatment to be removed.2,8 That’s why noticing these early on is important.1,8

A dermatologist can help by recommending timely and appropriate acne treatment to limit inflammation and thereby prevent scarring.1 Topical therapies are often the first step, as they can both control breakouts and reduce inflammation—lowering the chances of future scarring.1 

Emotional distress and low self-esteem due to acne

Acne isn’t just about skin—it’s also about how it makes you feel. Breakouts that cause ongoing distress can affect mental health, leading to low self-esteem, depression or body image issues. This is when a dermatologist’s guidance becomes important. Beyond just acne treatment and management, the goal is to restore confidence and improve overall well-being.¹

Although immediate solutions such as a pimple patch can provide relief from mild acne by preventing bacteria and dirt from worsening the condition, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for more severe acne breakouts.9


When to Act

If your usual acne care solutions are not yielding results, it’s time to stop delaying and book a dermatologist visit to avoid scarring, pigmentation and emotional stress.3,4 Early intervention makes a huge difference in managing symptoms, preventing long-term effects and restoring confidence.2

Although breakouts can feel overwhelming, remember that there are many ways to take back control.9 Whether through good skincare habits, professional guidance or supportive tools like the Benzac power patch, you can manage acne effectively and reduce its impact on your daily life.1,10,11


Basically, It Means…

Acne is common during teenage years, but knowing when to seek help is vital.1 If you notice acne that doesn’t go away or causes scarring, or if the emotional burden of dealing with it is getting overwhelming, a dermatologist visit is a step in the right direction.1

With the right care, lifestyle habits and supporting solutions like Benzac gel wash or the Benzac acne patch, clear and radiant skin is achievable—it’s a journey worth starting early.1,10,11 Whether you’re exploring a fast fix for mild acne or looking for more focused acne treatment, the most important part is not ignoring the signs and taking a step in the right direction.

Your skin deserves attention—and the sooner you act, the sooner you’ll feel confident again.


IN-BZC-2500080

References

  1.  Madnani N, Saraswat A, Nott A, et al. PRACT-India: practical recommendations on acne care and medical treatment in india-a modified Delphi consensus. Antibiotics (Basel). 2025;14(8):844. Published 2025 Aug 20. doi:10.3390/antibiotics14080844

  2. Kandhari S, Girdhar M, Kulkarni DS, et al. Expert consensus on the management of acne in India. Int J Res Med Sci. 2022;10(4):980-990. doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20220978

  3. Rodan K, Fields K, Falla TJ. Efficacy of a twice-daily, 3-step, over-the-counter skincare regimen for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:3-9. doi:10.2147/CCID.S125438

  4. Sutaria AH, Masood S, Saleh HM, et al. Acne vulgaris. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/

  5. Gollnick HP, Bettoli V, Lambert J, et al. A consensus-based practical and daily guide for the treatment of acne patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(9):1480-90. doi:10.1111/jdv.13675

  6. Vasam M, Korutla S, Bohara RA. Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances. Biochem Biophys Rep. 2023;36:101578. doi:10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101578

  7. Das A, Thangavel S, Sen D, Jadhwar S. A survey on healthcare professionals’ perspective on the use of benzoyl peroxide cleanser for acne management. Int J Res Dermatol. 2024;10(6):353-357.

  8. Zhang M, Liu C, Zhang S, Chu R, Ren X. Advances in the treatment of acne scars. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025;12:1643035. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1643035

  9. Durairaj A, Keyan K, Shanmugam A. Cystic acne treatment: a comprehensive review. Med Adv. 2023;1:318-329.1. doi:10.1002/med4.43

  10. Data on file. Benzac Power Patch.

  11. Galderma data on file RD.53.SPR. 206124.

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