Why Does Acne Occur in Your Teens?
Acne is a skin condition caused by inflamed sebaceous glands and often shows up as breakouts on the face, chest, or back, where the skin has the most sebaceous glands. It is completely normal, especially during the teenage years when the body goes through major hormonal changes.
What is Acne?
Acne can affect people of all ages, but it is most common during the teenage years. Hormonal changes during puberty cause an increase in sebum production in the skin, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. The most common form is called Acne Vulgaris, which means "common acne". It presents as small red or yellow bumps that can sometimes be tender.
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 scarring or pigmentation changes is higher. If you experience this, you should seek medical care to get the right treatment.
Causes of Acne
Hormonal Changes
Puberty means the body produces more sex hormones, which increases sebum production in the sebaceous glands. Sebum combined with dead skin cells can clog pores and form blackheads.
Genetic Influence
Acne is partly hereditary. If one of your parents had severe acne as a teenager, the risk is higher that you will get it too.
External Factors
Other causes that can worsen acne include:
- Cortisone medications (ointments or tablets)
- Medications containing lithium
- Contact with a lot of fat or oil at work
- Warm and humid environments
- The wrong type of skincare
- Insufficient cleansing of the skin, makeup tools, or textiles
- Dry skin, which leads to an overproduction of sebum
- Touching the face with dirty hands
- Popping pimples and pores
How Common Is It?
Almost all teenagers get some form of acne. Girls are often affected earlier than boys as they enter puberty earlier. About a third of all teenagers aged 12–17 have acne that may need to be treated.
Treating Acne
Over-the-Counter Options
For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter creams and cleansing products may be enough. Ingredients like Salicylic Acid, benzoyl peroxide, and Retinoids can help reduce inflammation and dissolve clogged pores.
Prescription Medications
For more widespread acne, a doctor may prescribe medications containing antibiotics, such as Tetralysal, which many experience improvement with. Antibiotics reduce both inflammation and the amount of bacteria in the skin.
Severe Acne and Isotretinoin
For severe cases, such as cystic acne, isotretinoin is sometimes used. It is a highly effective medication but requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
Fungal Acne – Not the Same Thing
A condition often confused with acne is Malassezia Folliculitis, or "Fungal Acne". It is caused by a yeast fungus, not bacteria. Unlike regular acne, Fungal Acne often itches and appears as small red or white bumps. Ingredients that help with bacterial acne rarely have an effect on Fungal Acne. Always consult a dermatologist before starting treatment.
Scars and Pigmentation After Acne
Acne usually heals without leaving permanent marks, but sometimes scars or pigmentation changes form. Treatment can begin when the skin is completely calm.
Professional Treatments
- Microneedling
- Chemical Peels
- IPL Light Therapy
At-Home Treatment
- Skinroller PRO
- Acids (e.g., AHA/BHA)
- Retinol
- Scar Treatments