How to Get Rid of Teen Acne (A Practical, Inside-Out Approach)

Teen acne is one of the most common concerns I see in Sydney-based families, especially when breakouts are persistent, inflamed, or affecting confidence.

If you’re searching how to get rid of teen acne, chances are you’ve already tried face washes, prescription creams, or been told to “wait it out.” Unfortunately, many Australian teenagers don’t see lasting improvement with skincare alone.

That’s because teenage acne is often driven by internal factors, not just what’s happening on the skin.

Can teen acne actually be treated?

Yes — and early support matters.

Teen acne responds best when we address:

  • Hormonal changes during adolescence

  • Blood sugar balance (a big factor in Australian teen diets)

  • Gut health and inflammation

  • Nutrient needs during rapid growth

  • Stress, sleep, and nervous system load

This approach works alongside topical care, not instead of it.

Why skincare alone often isn’t enough

Topical products can help manage symptoms, but they can’t address:

  • Insulin spikes from high-sugar or refined foods

  • Gut disruption from repeated antibiotics

  • Nutrient deficiencies common in growing teens

  • Ongoing stress from school, sport, and exams

That’s why many teens experience cycles of improvement followed by flare-ups.

How to get rid of teen acne: what actually helps

1. Stabilise blood sugar (very relevant for teens)

Frequent blood sugar spikes increase insulin and IGF-1, which can drive oil production and inflammation.

Supporting blood sugar looks like:

  • Regular meals (especially not skipping breakfast)

  • Including protein at each meal

  • Reducing reliance on sugary snacks, energy drinks, and soft drinks

This is a common missing piece in Sydney teens with acne.

2. Support gut health

The gut–skin connection is well recognised.

In teens with acne, I often see:

  • Bloating or constipation

  • Frequent illness or low immunity

  • A history of antibiotics for acne or infections

Supporting digestion and gut balance can reduce inflammation that shows up on the skin.

3. Address common nutrient gaps

Australian teenagers have high nutrient needs, and acne is more common when intake is low in:

  • Zinc (for skin healing and oil regulation)

  • Omega-3 fats (anti-inflammatory)

  • Iron (especially in menstruating teens)

  • Vitamin A (for healthy skin turnover)

This is about nourishing the body, not restrictive dieting.

4. Reduce inflammation without extreme food rules

Cutting entire food groups often backfires for teens.

A more effective approach focuses on:

  • Improving food quality

  • Reducing ultra-processed foods

  • Supporting consistency, not perfection

Teenagers need fuel for growth, learning, and sport.

5. Support stress, sleep, and the nervous system

School pressure, exams, sport, and social stress all affect hormones and inflammation.

Supporting sleep and nervous system regulation is a key — and often overlooked — part of improving teen acne.

Is teen acne just hormonal?

Hormones are part of the picture — but if acne were only hormonal, every teenager would experience the same severity.

Acne becomes more persistent when hormones interact with:

  • Blood sugar imbalance

  • Gut inflammation

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Chronic stress

Addressing these factors often leads to clearer, calmer skin.

Teen acne nutrition support in Sydney

I support teenagers with acne using an inside-out, nutrition-based approach, working alongside medical care where needed.

Support is available for families across Sydney, with telehealth consultations available Australia-wide.

⭐ Option 1: 1:1 Teen Acne Nutrition Consults

Best for teens who:

  • Have moderate to severe or cystic acne

  • Have tried multiple treatments without success

  • Experience gut issues, fatigue, or low iron

  • Are feeling distressed or losing confidence

This option provides personalised, root-cause support tailored to teenage life.

👉 Book a Teen Acne Nutrition Consultation

⭐ Option 2: Inside-Out Teen Acne Programme

Ideal for teens who:

  • Want a clear plan without 1:1 appointments

  • Prefer learning at their own pace

  • Need structure and guidance

👉 Explore the Inside-Out Teen Acne Programme

⭐ Option 3: Inside-Out Teen Acne eBook

A great starting point if you:

  • Want clear answers now

  • Are early in your teen acne journey

  • Want to understand why acne is happening

👉 Download the Inside-Out Teen Acne eBook'

Will teen acne ever go away?

Many teens see significant improvement when internal drivers are addressed early, rather than waiting for puberty to pass.

This can:

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Improve healing

  • Lower the risk of scarring

  • Protect confidence during adolescence

    Final thought

    Teen acne can feel overwhelming — but with the right nutrition support, clearer skin is possible.

    If acne is affecting your teenager’s wellbeing, you don’t have to navigate this alone.