Acne is considered to be a normal part of puberty for teenagers. The reason why teens get acne is because of the hormonal changes within one's body. Almost every teenager at some point will have acne. 8 out of 10. Acne starts for teens at the age of 12. Boys tend to breakout more severe than girls. Some girls will experience acne when they are premenstrual. If teens ask their parents if they had acne when they were teens, more likely they will say yes.



A term called acne vulgaris is what teens get. Breakouts start on the face, shoulders, neck, back, and chest. The pores and hair follicles on your skin contain a gland called sebaceous. This is a oil gland and this oil gland makes sebum which is a oil that lubricates your hair follicles and skin. So as teens begin to mature, the hormone stimulates this oil gland called the sebaceous to make more sebum. These two oils together now become more oily or overactive. Your pores then become clog from the sebum. Once this sebum is trapped in your pores/skin, your pores then develop bacteria and then the acne starts to multiply causing redness and swelling.

Now if the oil breaks through to the surface of your skin, this will result in what is called a whitehead. If the oil in your skin becomes oxidized(act on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black and this will result into a blackhead. Red bumps that develop on your face and sometimes will be added with pus are called pimples.

Solutions are available.

If you use hairspray or gels, try to keep them away from your face. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure it's oil free. Take all this makeup and sunscreen off before you go to bed. Wash your face twice a day. Use mild soaps and toners. Not alcohol.

Wash your hair everyday. Any hair grease that rubs on your your skin can make your acne worse. Benzoyl peroxide is very good to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time. Experiment to see if this helps. And I know this next step would be pretty hard for some people. Do NOT and I repeat do NOT pick it, squeeze it or even touch it. If you do, your acne will become inflamed and this just makes the situation worse.

There are many products available. You can also seek a dermatologist. In reality, the acne will eventually disappear for good. Try out different products and see which ones work better. You will find that matching combination that will work for you.