Acne is a common skin condition which causes pimples, zits, whiteheads or blackheads or other skin issues. It is a completely normal skin issue in teens, and about 85% of teens will have some kind of acne breakout during puberty. Acne mostly occurs on the face, back and chest, but one can also get acne on their necks, shoulders, upper arms and buttocks.

Teenage Acne Causes And Treatment

Acne is caused by clogged pores that are small openings in the skin. Deep inside these follicles is a hair shaft that is attached to small glands called “sebaceous glands”. These glands are located on the person’s face, neck, chest, upper back and top part of the arms.

The pores make an oily substance called sebum. When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and create a sticky plus that can clog the hair follicle.

Some common causes of teenage acne are:

  1. Hormonal changes
  2. Skin hygiene
  3. Dandruff
  4. Make up
  5. Oily food
  6. Stress and anxiety
  7. Side effects of fast food

Treatment for Acne

Most acne can be treated with over-the-counter acne medicine that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid etc. Products come as anti-acne creams, gels, soaps, or lotions are readily available. If your acne does not get better with over-the-counter medicine, you best see a skin specialist or a dermatologist who may need to prescribe oral medicines like isotretinoin capsules.

Here are some tips to follow along with over-the-counter medication to take care of your skin and treatment for acne:

  • Wash your face twice daily.
  • Wash your face with a soap-free cleanser after exercise.
  • Do not excessively touch your face.
  • Wash your hair regularly, especially if it is oily and has dandruff.
  • Use oil-free sunscreen when going out.
  • Don’t use harsh soaps on your face.
  • Do not use alcohol-based cleaning products as these can make your skin extremely dry.
  • Don’t pick, squeeze, or pop your pimples.

Reminder: Most teens will experience acne in their puberty and is one the of common teenage problems. Having acne can make people feel self-conscious, but it is completely normal and nothing to feel ashamed of. It does not mean that someone is unclean.

Types of Acne in Teenagers

There are different types of acne in teenagers:

  • Whiteheads are pores bulging with sebum and dead skin cells. Called white heads because they have a white pinpoint look
  • Blackheads occur when the clogged pore is open, and a chemical reaction causes the surface to darken, appearing as a black dot on the bump
  • Pimples occur when a clogged pore gets infected by bacteria, and this causes a red, raised bump to appear on the skin. Pimples can also have a pus-filled top. They are also called zits in teen jargon.

Cysts happen when a clogged pore breaks under the skin, causing bigger and often painful bumps.