For many teens, acne feels like an unwelcome part of growing up. One day their skin is clear, and the next they’re dealing with pimples before school pictures, dances or hanging out with friends. While acne is incredibly common, that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. The good news is that understanding why acne happens and knowing when to seek help can make a big difference for both teens and parents.
Why Does Acne Happen?
Acne usually begins during puberty, when hormones trigger changes throughout the body.
“During puberty, the body starts producing more hormones, which causes the skin’s oil glands to become more active,” explains Dr. Simee Malik, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s hospital. “That extra oil can clog pores and lead to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.”
Malik says that most kids start developing acne between ages 10 and 13, although it can begin earlier or later depending on when puberty starts. By the teen years, acne affects most adolescents to some degree.
If you’ve ever wondered why one teen gets an occasional pimple while another experiences constant breakouts, genetics often play a role.
“A lot of it comes down to genetics,” Malik says. “If a parent had significant acne as a teen, their child may be more likely to have it as well.”
Hormones affect everyone differently, too. Some teens naturally produce more oil or have skin that’s more prone to clogged pores and inflammation. Stress, certain medications, and even some hair or skincare products can also contribute to more frequent or severe breakouts.
Common Acne Mistakes
Despite what many people believe, acne isn’t caused by dirty skin. In fact, trying to scrub it away can make things worse.
“One of the biggest mistakes teens make is trying to scrub acne away,” Malik says. “Acne isn’t caused by dirty skin, and aggressive scrubbing can actually irritate the skin and make breakouts worse.”
Other habits that can contribute to acne include picking or popping pimples, sleeping in makeup, using oily skincare or hair products, and washing the face too often.
Researchers have also found that diets high in sugary foods and highly processed carbohydrates may worsen acne in some teens, although food usually isn’t the main cause.
A Simple Skincare Routine
When it comes to skincare, Malik says consistency is more important than having a shelf full of products. She recommends washing the face with a gentle cleanser morning and night. For mild acne, products containing benzoyl peroxide can help reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent clogged pores. At night, topical retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin, help keep pores from becoming clogged before new pimples form.
She also stresses the importance of wearing a daily oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, since many acne treatments make skin more sensitive to the sun. If skin becomes dry, adding a non-comedogenic moisturizer can help. And while hydrocolloid pimple patches can protect individual blemishes and discourage picking, they shouldn’t replace proven acne treatments.
When to See a Pediatrician
If over-the-counter products haven’t improved acne after a couple of months, or if breakouts are painful, causing scarring, or affecting a teen’s confidence, it’s time to talk with a pediatrician. Prescription medications may be needed, and early treatment can help prevent permanent scars.
Supporting Your Teen
Just as important as treating the skin is supporting your teen emotionally.
“The most important thing is to be supportive and take their concerns seriously,” Malik says. “Acne is incredibly common, but that doesn’t make it easy.”
She encourages parents to listen without judgment, avoid criticizing appearance and remind teens that acne is a medical condition, not a hygiene issue.
“The goal isn’t perfect skin,” she says. “It’s healthy skin and helping teens feel comfortable in their own skin while they get there.”
