Managing Acne During the Back to School Season

by | Sep 8, 2025

As the school year kicks off, many teens and young adults notice changes in their skin. Between social pressures, demanding classes, and long hours of sports practice, stress levels rise—and so do breakouts. It’s one of the most common skin concerns we see during this time of year.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to simply live with it. Acne is highly treatable, and at Mosaic Dermatology, we take the time to understand your skin and build a plan that works for you.

Why Acne Flares in the Fall

Several factors contribute to the increase in acne this season:

  • Stress: The demands of a new school year can raise stress hormones that worsen breakouts.
  • Sports & activities: Sweat, helmets, and uniforms can trap bacteria and aggravate acne.
  • Weather shifts: Cooler, drier air may trigger the skin to produce more oil, clogging pores.

Understanding what’s driving your breakouts is the first step in finding the right treatment.

Acne Treatments at Mosaic Dermatology in Fargo, ND

Because acne isn’t the same for everyone, treatment should never be one-size-fits-all. We offer a range of solutions tailored to your skin type, severity, and lifestyle.

Topical Treatments

  • Retinoids to unclog pores and improve cell turnover
  • Benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria
  • Salicylic acid to exfoliate and reduce inflammation
  • Antibiotic creams to control bacterial growth

Oral Medications

  • Antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation
  • Hormonal therapies (such as birth control or anti-androgens) to manage hormone-driven acne
  • sotretinoin (Accutane) for severe or treatment-resistant cases

In-Office Treatments

  • Cortisone injections to quickly reduce painful cystic acne
  • Chemical peels to refresh and calm acne-prone skin

Introducing SkinPen® Elite Microneedling

For patients struggling with acne scars or skin texture concerns, we’re especially excited to now offer SkinPen® Elite microneedling. SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin texture.  By creating controlled micro-injuries, SkinPen stimulates your body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production.

  • Safe for all skin types
  • Minimal downtime (most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours)
  • Visible results in smoother, firmer, more even skin after a series of treatments

For deeper rejuvenation, SkinPen can also be paired with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to enhance healing and results.

Taking Control of Acne This Fall

If acne flare-ups are affecting your confidence this back-to-school season, now is the perfect time to explore your options.

  • To learn more about SkinPen and see if it’s right for you, call our office at 701-941-3100 to schedule a consultation.
  • If you’d like a general skin check-up to talk through your acne and other treatment options, you can schedule an appointment online.

With the right plan, clear and healthy skin is possible. We’re here to help every step of the way.