Backpacks are packed. New clothes are ready. Students are heading back to school. Before long, it will be time for those school pictures. And wouldn’t you know it? That’s often when a breakout decides to make an appearance!

Acne can be frustrating at any age, especially when you’re a teenager trying to feel confident walking into a new school year. But before my adults start scrolling away, remember: acne isn’t just a teenage skin concern. Adults can experience breakouts, too.

So, whether you’re reading this for yourself, your teenager, or a grandchild, let’s talk about what acne is, what causes it, and what you can do to help get skin back on track. Because when you know more, you do better.

So, what helps clear acne? A good acne skincare routine consistently removes excess oil and debris, helps keep pores clear, treats existing blemishes, provides lightweight hydration, and protects the skin from the sun.

What Is Acne and What Causes It?

Here’s the simple version. Oil and dead skin cells get together and clog a pore. Bacteria can get trapped in there, too. Before long, you have a breakout staring back at you in the mirror. Ugh!

Not all acne looks the same. You may see:

• Whiteheads – clogged pores that remain closed
• Blackheads – clogged pores that are open at the surface
• Pimples – inflamed, often red blemishes
• Nodules or cysts – deeper, more painful breakouts beneath the skin

If acne is severe, painful, persistent, or causing scarring, that’s the time to see a dermatologist rather than trying to manage it entirely on your own.

What Causes Acne in Teens and Adults?

Hormones are a major factor during the teenage years. Adult women may also notice breakouts during times of hormonal fluctuation.

Genetics can play a role, too. We can’t necessarily control those things, but we can pay attention to everyday habits that may aggravate acne-prone skin.

Think about what regularly touches your face: your phone, hands, pillowcase, hair, hats, helmets and sports equipment.

A few simple habits can help:

• Wash pillowcases regularly.
• Clean your phone and sports gear.
• Try to keep oily hair and hair products away from your face.
• Avoid constantly touching your face.
• And please—don’t pick!

I know. School pictures are Friday and that blemish is right there. But squeezing and picking can increase inflammation and the chance of leaving a dark mark or scar.

Stress may also aggravate acne in some people. Good sleep, exercise, nutrition and hydration support your overall health — including your skin. That doesn’t mean an extra glass of water tonight will make tomorrow’s pimple disappear. I wish it were that easy! Think of those habits as part of caring for your whole self.

What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin?

This is what I really want teenagers and adults to understand: Acne-prone skin needs a routine. Not ten random products. Not scrubbing harder because you’re frustrated. Not washing your face five times a day. And definitely not trying every TikTok remedy you see. A simple acne skincare routine should focus on five basic steps:

Cleanse → Tone → Treat → Hydrate → Protect

And, yes, oily skin still needs moisturizer. I made the mistake of trying to dry all the oil out of my skin when I was younger. The goal isn’t to punish oily skin. Your skin still needs appropriate hydration.

Why I Recommend JAFRA Royal Clear Smart for Acne-Prone Skin

I like JAFRA Royal Clear Smart because it isn’t simply a “put this on a pimple” approach. The products work together as a skincare routine for blemish-prone skin. The Clear Smart ritual addresses breakouts, clogged pores, excess oil and shine while following those five basic skincare steps.

JAFRA reports fewer breakouts, less oil and clearer pores in four weeks, based on an independent consumer test of the Clear Smart ritual. Did you catch that? Four weeks. Consistency matters.

The JAFRA Royal Clear Smart Routine

1. Cleanse

Start with JAFRA Royal Clear Smart Clarifying Cleansing Foam to deep clean blemish-prone skin and help eliminate excess oil.

Two to three times a week, add the Charcoal Blackhead Scrub to help exfoliate the skin.

Important Tip: please wash your face before bed. Even when you’re tired. Especially after wearing makeup or sunscreen, playing sports, or sweating throughout the day.

2. Tone

Follow with Clear Complexion Toner to help remove pore-clogging debris and help prevent future breakouts.

3. Treat

Use Blemish Spot Treatment to target acne blemishes.

Notice the word target. You don’t have to attack your entire face because one blemish showed up on your chin.

4. Hydrate

Clear Pore Hydrator provides lightweight hydration while helping control oil.

Remember: controlling oil and providing moisture are not the same thing.

5. Protect

During the day, finish with Shine Control Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 25. This oil-free, mattifying sunscreen provides sun protection without the heavy, greasy feeling oily skin doesn’t need.

Sunscreen isn’t an “older woman” skincare step. It’s a skin-health step. The earlier we learn that habit, the better.

But What If I’m an Adult Who Only Gets an Occasional Breakout?

You may not need to change your entire skincare routine. That’s especially true for women who are also concerned about fine lines, firmness, dryness, or uneven skin tone.

I know this one personally. My skin has always leaned oily. Although I don’t experience acne the way I did when I was younger, an occasional blemish can still decide to visit. That’s why I like having targeted products available.

Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Sometimes you simply have a gap in your current routine.

Clear Skin Takes Time

If you’re hoping to have perfectly clear skin before school pictures next week, I can’t promise you that. Skin doesn’t work on our calendar. But you can start today.

Cleanse your skin tonight. Keep your hands away from that blemish. Change the pillowcase. Clean the phone. Start using products formulated for blemish-prone skin. Put on your sunscreen tomorrow morning.

Then do it again. And again. Those little choices add up.

If you’re a parent or grandparent helping a young person learn how to care for their skin, you are also teaching them something much bigger than how to manage acne. You’re helping them establish a self-care habit they can carry into adulthood.

And if you’re the adult still dealing with breakouts, don’t be embarrassed. Acne doesn’t have an age limit. Your skin may simply need a little help figuring out what it needs now. Sometimes clearer, healthier-looking skin begins with something as simple as learning the right steps—and doing them consistently.

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Ready to Get Your Skin on the Right Routine?

Not sure what your skin—or your teenager’s skin—needs? I’d be happy to help you determine whether the complete Royal Clear Smart routine makes sense or whether you simply need a targeted product to fill a gap in your current skincare routine.

Schedule a skincare consultation or shop JAFRA Royal Clear Smart.

Skincare isn’t about having perfect skin. It’s about understanding the skin you have and learning how to care for it well.

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About Evelyn

Hi, I’m Evelyn!

For more than 26 years, I’ve been helping women over 40 care for their skin with confidence. Through Purple Essence By Evelyn, I share practical skincare education, healthy wellness habits, and intentional self-care to help women age well with grace, confidence, and purpose.

Whether you’re looking for skincare and wellness tips, product recommendations, or simple ways to prioritize yourself, I’m here to help you build a routine that’s effective, enjoyable, and easy to maintain.

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