Acne facials for teens: a parent's guide to what to book

Here's how to decide where to go, what a teen facial involves and a routine your teen will actually stick to.

Therapist or dermatologist?

• A skin therapist is a good fit for blackheads, whiteheads and occasional spots. They can clean out congested pores, teach your teen how to care for their skin and suggest suitable products.
• A doctor or dermatologist is the right call for painful, cystic or widespread acne, acne that's leaving marks or scars, or acne that's affecting your teen's confidence. They can prescribe treatments that salons can't.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a dermatologist if acne hasn't improved with treatment you can buy without a prescription (AAD: acne treatment). Our guide to dermatologists vs aesthetic clinics explains more.

Gentle facials for teens

A good teen facial is gentle and educational: a cleanse, light exfoliation, careful extractions, a calming mask and advice on home care. It shouldn't leave skin raw.

Prices from each business's public Fresha menu as shown on Bliss Clinic, checked 19 Oct 2026. Prices change, so confirm when you book.

For back breakouts, Sublime lists a Purifying Back Deep Cleanse at R950, and Meraki Aesthetics at the V&A Waterfront a Mesoestetic Blemiskin "Backcial" at R1 750.

At what age can a teen have a facial?

Many clinics welcome young teens, and some, like Sublime, have a treatment for 12 and under. Book with your child and let the therapist know about any skin conditions or medication.

A simple at-home routine

Keep it short so it becomes a habit:

• Morning: a gentle cleanser, a light oil-free moisturiser and SPF.
• Evening: cleanse to remove sunscreen and sweat, then a treatment product if the therapist or doctor suggests one, and moisturiser.
• Hands off: picking and squeezing can lead to marks and scars.
• Be patient: most acne products take weeks to show results.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is R130 for 30 ml at Clicks (checked 31 Oct 2026). For more, see our teen skincare guide for parents.

Clinics that treat acne

Sublime Skin and Body is rated 5.0 on Fresha from 2 933 reviews, EM Aesthetics Moreleta Park 5.0 from 2 773 reviews (checked 19 Oct 2026). For facial prices across all levels, see our facial prices guide.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a teen have a facial?

Many clinics welcome young teens, and some list treatments for 12 and under, such as Sublime Skin and Body's Pre-Teens Skin Treatment. Book with your child and share any skin conditions or medication.

When should we see a dermatologist?

If acne is painful, deep, widespread or leaving scars, or hasn't improved with over-the-counter care, see a doctor or dermatologist.

What is a good teen skincare routine?

A gentle cleanser, light oil-free moisturiser and SPF in the morning, then cleanse and moisturise at night. Keep hands off spots.

How much is a teen facial?

At listed clinics, about R315 to R550 (Fresha menus, checked 19 Oct 2026).