Understanding Teen Acne: Causes, When It Starts & When It Ends

Acne affects approximately eight in 10 teenagers. It is caused by clogged pores beginning when a teenager goes through puberty. Most teens will no longer suffer from acne when they reach adulthood.

• Acne affects teenagers during puberty.

Ages

• Acne usually begins to affect girls at age 11 and boys a couple of years later. This is because girls reach puberty before boys. Acne will usually disappear when the teenage years are over, although some adults suffer from acne.

Causes

• Pores in the skin contain glands that produce oil for lubricating hair and skin. When a teenager reaches puberty, there might be an overproduction of oil, which clogs the pores. Bacteria get trapped in the skin and acne develops.

Types

• Whitehead and blackhead pimples are the most common types of acne and the easiest to treat. More severe acne will be accompanied by redness, inflammation or pain.

Prevention

• Acne can be controlled by the daily use of a facial cleanser. It is important not to squeeze any pimples because it will irritate the skin.

Treatment

• Mild and moderate acne can be treated with topical medication or extraction, the removal of the acne by a dermatologist. Severe acne can be treated with antibiotics.