Budget-Friendly Acne Fighters: Top Drugstore Products for Treating Teen Acne

Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming, especially for teens dealing with acne. But worry not, because I've got you covered with budget-friendly acne fighters.

Did you know the drugstore has many top-quality products that are perfect for treating acne, even from the medical dermatology perspective? I’m going to show you here, and this is just a preview to the Teen Skincare 101 Course!

Let’s explore drugstore products with ingredients that are not only affordable but also highly effective in combating teen acne. 

Say goodbye to breakouts without breaking the bank!

In the Teen Skincare 101 Course, we'll tackle everything you need to know about teen acne. From understanding the underlying causes and triggers to developing a personalized skincare routine, we're going to empower you and your teen with knowledge and practical solutions. Our course is divided into several modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of teen skincare.

Let’s jump to a few of my favorite budget friendly skincare to fight acne in teens:

1. Gentle Cleansers:

Start your acne-fighting routine with a gentle, non-medicated and non-drying cleanser. This product is the foundation of every skin routine for all skin types too. As we add active ingredients this non-medicated step helps restore and prep the skin to be able to tolerate the ingredients that will improve the skin. What we don’t want is an active ingredients in every step- remember this is about products with ingredients paired on purpose. These cleansers will help remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser
EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser
EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser
EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser
EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser
EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser

EltaMD Oil in Gel Cleanser

$35.00

WHY SYDNEY LOVES IT: Oil cleansing is the secret to healthy, beautiful skin!EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser is the perfect two in one cleanser.It works better than straight oil cleansers, IMO. The unique texture gives Pond's Cold Cream the ease it offers without the residue. It combines the effectiveness of a traditional cleanser with the benefits of an oil cleanser. It's my pick for breakout-prone skin and can be used twice daily.

DETAILS: The rich gel texture melts into a silky oil that effortlessly removes pollutants, water-resistant sunscreen, long-wear makeup, sweat, and excess sebum - all in one step.

HOW TO USE: Use morning and night. When the oil is contacted with water, itturns into a milky emulsion to wash away the impurities.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

  1. Meadowfoam Seed Oil: known to moisturize skin
  2. Vitamin E: moisturizes and helps prevent free-radical damage
  3. Turmeric root extract: known to soothe skin
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    Drugstore option: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser - it’s not a hybrid cleanser like this one and won’t remove make-up and protect the skin barrier as well, but it’s gentle and easy-to-find!

    2. Spot Treatments:

    When those pesky pimples make an unwelcome appearance, reach for a reliable spot treatment. Opt for products that contain benzoyl peroxide or sulfur, as they can effectively target and reduce the size of blemishes. Apply a small amount directly to the affected area and let the product work its magic overnight.

    Drugstore option: Shop My Acne Spot Treatments

    3. Oil-Free Moisturizers:

    Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing is crucial for acne-prone skin. Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts. Look for lightweight formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to provide hydration without excess oil.

    EltaMD PM Therapy
    EltaMD PM Therapy

    EltaMD PM Therapy

    $44.00

    WHY SYDNEY LOVES IT: My go-to lightweight PM moisturizer for breakout-prone skin. It has niacinamide to calm and help with discoloration from breakouts. It can be used in the AM too before sunscreen.

    DETAILS:  This advanced facial moisturizer works to moisturize, restore and repair skin while you rest. EltaMD PM Therapy is oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin.

    Ceramides strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Niacinamide and antioxidants work to improve skin color and tone, while also speeding the metabolism to maximize the nightly skin repair process. Small rice protein peptides penetrate to stimulate cell growth and collagen formation, resulting in more skin elasticity. As it nurtures, revitalizes and oxygenates the skin, wrinkles fade and skin tone improves, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance.

    HOW TO USE:
    Every evening apply pearl-size dots of PM Therapy to clean, moist skin. Gently massage the moisturizer onto your face, using circular upward and outward motions.


    KEY INGREDIENTS:

    • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):  Anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of dry or damaged skin and restores suppleness
    • Hydrolyzed Rice Protein: Small peptide that is easily absorbed to stimulate cell growth and collagen formation, resulting in more skin elasticity and vitality
    • Thioctic Acid: Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
    • Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): Retains moisture and improves skin feel by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness
    • Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E):  Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
    • Linoleic Acid: Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
    • 1, 3-Bis (N-2-(Hydroxyethyl) Palmitoylamino) -2- Hydroxy Propane: Ceramide that retains moisture and restores skin suppleness

     

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    Drugstore option: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    In the AM, look for a mineral sunscreen to be your AM moisturizer.Pro Tip: for teens that want make-up opt for a tinted SPF instead.

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

    EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

    $45.00

    WHY SYDNEY LOVES IT: My go-to daily SPF moisturizer because it's packed with so many wonderful ingredients and is lightweight enough for all skin types. The tinted option is so subtle but gives a bit of coverage and simply blends with another product to make the perfect color and coverage.

    DETAILS: Oil-free EltaMD UV Clear helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to discoloration and breakouts associated with acne and rosacea. It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, ingredients that promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin. Very lightweight and silky, it may be worn with makeup or alone. Choose from tinted and untinted formulas for use every day.

    HOW TO USE:

    • Apply liberally to face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure.
    • Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
    • Reapply at least every 2 hours.
    • Sun Protection Measures: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures, including:
    • Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
    • Before use on children under 6 months: Ask a physician


    KEY INGREDIENTS:

    • 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate
    • Zinc oxide: Natural mineral compound that works as a sunscreen agent by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays
    • Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of dry or damaged skin, and restores suppleness
    • Sodium hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): Humectant that attracts and retains moisture, improving skin feel and restoring suppleness
    • Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E): Antioxidant that reduces free radicals to help diminish the visible signs of aging
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    Drugstore option: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30 (thicker/more coverage) La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted (very lightweight)

    Now the skin is prepped and ready to add active ingredients to treat breakouts!

    You don't need to spend a fortune to tackle teen acne effectively. By incorporating these budget-friendly acne fighters into your skincare routine, you can achieve clearer and healthier skin without breaking the bank. Remember, consistency is key, so stick to your routine and be patient with the results.

    Teen Skincare Shopping List
    Teen Skincare Shopping List

    Teen Skincare Shopping List

    $0.00

    Your Free Teen Skincare Shopping List for Clear, Healthy Skin!

    It's the perfect time to ensure your teen has a skincare routine promoting clear, healthy skin. That's why I'm excited to share a special freebie: the BTS Shopping List for your teen's three-step skincare routine!

    Our Teen Skincare Shopping List provides a handy checklist of the products your teen needs at the DRUGSTORE to kickstart their skincare journey and maintain a consistent routine. No worries if you're teen isn't interested in skincare. In the Teen Skincare 101 Course I'll show you where to place certain products so they're used.

    As you know so well, being the mom of a teen is a journey not a one and done event1

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    If you're unsure about which products are best for your specific skin concerns, consider enrolling now in "Teen Skincare 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Clearing and Preventing Acne." Let's embark on this transformative journey together. See you in the first module!

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