Teenage acne can be more than a frustrating skincare issue. For many young people, it’s a source of anxiety, embarrassment, and isolation. When breakouts persist despite every effort, it can feel like nothing will work. But for one teenager, the right support, expert guidance, and a customised skincare journey made all the difference. This is Libby’s story, one of healing and transformation, shared by SkinBase therapist Donna Watson from Beautique. Read on to find out more about treating teen acne.

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Teenage Acne

Libby’s skin started breaking out seemingly without reason. “We couldn’t understand why,” her mum recalled. “I presumed it was possibly her diet… but as she ate pretty healthily and only drank water, we were stumped.” Like many parents, Libby’s mum began with high-street solutions. Skincare products and self-care routines that promised results. But rather than improve, Libby’s acne worsened.

After several months of treating teen acne trying everything they could at home, they were left unsure of where to turn next. What followed was a distressing period for Libby. She started to withdraw from her everyday life. “She didn’t want to go to school, never really left her bedroom, and if she did have to leave the house, it was only in full makeup to cover her skin.”

A New Start with SkinBase & Beautique

Feeling defeated, Libby and her mum reached out to Donna Watson at Beautique, and found a much-needed sense of hope. “Lovely, warm, and welcoming,” was how Libby’s mum described that first appointment. “We both felt finally we might get somewhere with Donna’s very professional approach to our problem.”

For Donna, teen acne is never just about blemishes. It’s about confidence, self-worth, and the emotional wellbeing that comes with clear skin. “Libby came to me with her mum when she was suffering with hormonal changes,” she explained. These changes were causing increased oil production, inflamed acne, and clogged pores. Rather than jump straight into intensive treatments, Donna began with gentle advice and achievable homecare steps, tailored to Libby’s lifestyle and comfort zone.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Donna helped Libby understand how simple habits were contributing to her skin concerns. For example, Libby often wore a mask in public and allowed her hair to fall over her face, both of which trapped bacteria and worsened inflammation.

“We discussed the importance of homecare upon first booking, as there were instant changes present that could help,” Donna said. “So we discussed small changes that she could do at home, where she felt comfortable.”

Libby adopted a new routine that included:

• Wearing a headband to keep her hair off her face.
• Avoiding face-touching and hair products.
• Keeping pillowcases clean.
• Using a gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturiser.

Alongside these habits, Libby also maintained her healthy diet and continued drinking plenty of water, critical steps in supporting her skin from the inside out.

Treating Teen Acne: SkinBase Microdermabrasion

Once these foundational steps were in place, Donna introduced a course of SkinBase Microdermabrasion treatments. The journey wasn’t smooth at first. “Libby found her first few treatments somewhat uncomfortable,” Donna shared. “Her skin was so tender and painful but she persevered.”

Recognising how important comfort and trust are, Donna adapted each session to meet Libby’s needs. “Sometimes we made jokes or listened to her choice of music as a distraction.”

Microdermabrasion worked by deeply exfoliating Libby’s skin, helping to unclog her pores, smooth texture, and gradually reduce inflammation and scarring. Monthly maintenance treatments ensured the results lasted while Donna continued to offer advice and encouragement.

Emotional Support and Trust: A Winning Combination

Teenage clients can often feel overwhelmed or self-conscious, so Donna placed equal focus on building a supportive relationship with both Libby and her mum. “We have had tears, lots of laughter, a little bit of tough love and incredible results that just kept on improving,” she said.

This three-way support system made a world of difference. “It is very important to involve the parents,” Donna noted. “So that they too feel supported and are able to help during the process.”

Donna’s philosophy is to keep skincare simple and achievable, especially for younger clients. “Although the advice needs to be informative, keep it simple. Write down your tips so they are easy to follow, and be realistic with expectations of homecare.”

Transformation That Speaks for Itself

The visual change in Libby’s skin was remarkable. “Blackheads became clearer, nearly all of the inflammation had disappeared and scarring was barely noticeable,” Donna said proudly. But even more powerful was the emotional transformation.

“She now attends school, goes out with her friends and to work – and finally not always wearing make-up!” her mum shared. A teenager who once hid away from the world now felt confident to face it head-on.

Advice from Donna for Teens Facing Acne

Donna has supported many teenage clients through acne, and her advice is rooted in compassion and experience. Here are her top tips:

• Talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Acne affects both physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
• Stick to a healthy, balanced diet to support overall skin health.
• Keep your skincare routine simple and avoid harsh products.
• Get enough sleep to regulate hormones and reduce inflammation.
• Don’t pick at your skin, as it can cause more breakouts and lead to scarring.

Life Changing Results

Libby’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right guidance, expert treatment, and personal support, teenage acne doesn’t have to be a battle. For Libby, the results were more than skin-deep. They were life-changing. “Microdermabrasion results are absolutely fabulous – and these pictures say it all,” Donna said.

Find a Therapist

If you or your teenager are struggling with acne, don’t lose hope. Reach out to a SkinBase professional, like Donna, and take that first step toward clearer skin, and a brighter future.

Find a Therapist

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