Causes of acne during adolescence

It is very common during the hormonal shifts that puberty brings for acne to start appearing. We can thank our androgens; a group of sex hormones that help start puberty and play a role in reproductive health and body development. You're likely most familiar with the androgen, Testosterone, and while it's most often referred to as the "male hormone", it has a significant impact on the health of females too.

Estrogen and Progesterone fluctuations are also related to acne formation and happen mostly during menstruation cycles, pregnancy and menopause.

Due to these hormone fluctuations (yes, puberty is a common time, but we all know these can be life-long), our sebaceous glands (oil glands) are stimulated and thus acne can start to form.

Types of Acne

Non-Inflammatory:

Whiteheads: closed clogged pores
Blackheads: open clogged pores. A blackhead may look like dirt stuck in pores. But actually the pore is congested with bacteria and oil, which turns brown when it's exposed to the air.

Inflammatory:

Pustules, which are commonly called pimples: papules with pus at their tips
Papules: Small red, tender bumps
Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin
Cysts: Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin

What can you do to support the skin from acne?

Helping your skin BREATHE by keeping it clean, exfoliating, and using non-occlusive products will help tremendously. Avoiding any foods, personal care and cleaning products, or environmental factors that can have effects on hormones is also important. Read more here: 7 Lifestyle Habits That Can Affect Hormones: https://chapelhillgynecology.com/lifestyle-habits-that-can-affect-your-hormones/

Avoiding ingredients such as PEGs, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate. Coconut and other oils, just to name a few. You can find a full list here: https://acneclinicnyc.com/pore-clogging-ingredients/

My Acne Skincare Recommendations:

Because acne is so complex and can vary so much from person to person, my recommendations also vary. The best thing for you to do is book a consultation so we can discuss your specific needs or connect with me.

My basic rule of thumb for acne is to:

Cleanse: Use a cleanser that will aid in removing oil, dirt, and makeup and does NOT inculde fragrance or Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate in the ingredients such as Beautycounter's Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser.
Exfoliate: Your skin sheds tens of thousands of dead skin cells every minute and it needs your help in getting rid of these cells. Depending on your skin's tolerance, exfoliating a few times a week will make a significant difference in helping your skin breathe. My favourite exfoliation for acne prone skin is Beautycounter's Charcoal Facial Mask.
Tone: Use a toner that will aid in balancing the skin's pH and clear out any leftover residue in your pores. I use and love Beautycounter's Countercontrol Instant Matte Toner
Treat: Use treatment products that will reduce inflammation, purify pores, and help mattify skin. Products like Beautycounter's SOS Spot Treatment and All Over Acne Treatment that use a Skin Balance Complex and Salicylic Acid derived from Winter Green are a great option.
Protect: Applying a light moisturizer will lock in your treatment and keep your skin feeling hydrated without causing more oil production. Beautycounter's Countercontrol Matte Effect Gel Cream is a great option.

This Countercontrol Collection from Beautycounter is a great place to start, but remember, every individual's needs are unique and a consultation is best.

Most of all acknowledging that these skin changes are in relation to normal hormonal fluctuations occurring in their body and that although they’re normal, the feelings associated with them are valid. Encouraging your child to become mindful around water intake, nutrition, physical activity, reducing stress levels, AND skincare can be very helpful.

I’ve create this FREE Mindful Skin Guide with 5 simple steps to success for you and your teen to utilize:

Mindful Skin Guide

Adolescence and Acne...what is adolescent acne, what are its causes, and how can you manage it?