Acne is a skin condition caused by inflamed sebaceous glands and often manifests as breakouts on the face, chest, or back – areas where the skin has the most sebaceous glands. It is completely normal, especially during the teenage years when the body undergoes major hormonal changes.
Getting breakouts does not always mean you have acne, but repeated or more widespread blemishes can be a sign that the skin needs extra help. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Acne is very common, and there are many ways to treat it.
You should never have to feel ashamed of your skin. With the right knowledge, products, and sometimes professional help, it is usually possible to get the problems under control, even if it might take a little time.
Teenage acne: Causes and management
What is acne?
Acne can affect people of all ages, but it is most common during the teenage years. Hormonal changes during puberty cause the sebum production in the skin to increase, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. The most common form is called acne vulgaris, which means "common acne". It appears as small red or yellow bumps that can sometimes be tender. The acne is usually located on the face, but can also appear on the back and chest.
More severe forms of acne
In some cases, a more troublesome form develops with deeper, tender nodules. These can swell and hurt, and the risk of scars or pigmentation changes is greater. If you experience this, you should seek medical care to get the right treatment.
Causes of acne
Hormonal changes
Puberty means that the body produces more sex hormones, which increases sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Sebum, together with dead skin cells, can clog the pores and form blackheads.
Genetic influence
Acne is somewhat hereditary. If one of your parents had severe acne as a teenager, there is a greater risk that you will also get it.
External factors
- Cortisone medications (ointments or tablets)
- Medications containing lithium
- Contact with a lot of fat/oil at work
- Warm and humid environments
- The wrong type of skincare
- Insufficient cleansing of the skin, makeup tools, or textiles
- Dry skin leads to overproduction of sebum
- Touching the face with dirty hands
- Squeezing pimples and pores
How common is it?
Almost all teenagers get some form of acne. Girls often suffer earlier than boys because they enter puberty earlier. About one-third of all teenagers aged 12-17 have acne that may need to be treated. A smaller group gets more severe acne that requires prescription medications. Even in adulthood, especially women can get acne breakouts, often in connection with menstruation.
Treatment of acne
Over-the-counter options
For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter creams and cleansers may be sufficient. Ingredients like Salicylic Acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids can help reduce inflammation and dissolve clogged pores.
Prescription medications
For more widespread acne, a doctor can prescribe medications containing antibiotics, such as Tetralysal, which many experience improvement with. Antibiotics reduce both inflammation and the amount of bacteria in the skin, but results vary.
Severe acne: Isotretinoin
For severe cases, such as cystic acne, isotretinoin (Roaccutane or Accutane) is sometimes used. It is a highly effective medication but requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects. Results can start to appear after a few weeks, but full effects are often only seen after several months.
Fungal acne: Not the same thing
A condition that is often confused with acne is Malassezia