Volume Two — Understanding Skin Concerns
Chapter 6

Teenage Skin: Hormones, Acne & Prevention

“Teenage skin doesn’t need harsher skincare—it needs understanding, consistency and protection.”

For many teenagers, puberty is when their relationship with their skin begins to change.

Skin that was once balanced may suddenly become:

• Oily
• Congested
• Acne-prone
• Sensitive
• Difficult to manage

These changes can feel frustrating, but they’re also completely normal.

At The Skin Code, we believe teenage skin shouldn’t be treated aggressively. Instead, it should be supported while these natural hormonal changes occur.

Healthy habits developed during the teenage years often influence skin health well into adulthood.

Why Does Teenage Skin Change?

The biggest driver is hormones.

During puberty, rising androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands.

These glands begin producing significantly more sebum (oil).

While sebum is essential for healthy skin, excess production creates an environment where pores become blocked and acne bacteria can thrive.

Hormones also influence:

• Skin cell turnover
• Inflammation
• Sweat production
• Hair growth

Every teenager experiences puberty differently, which is why some develop acne while others don’t.

What Happens Inside the Pore?

Healthy pores continually shed dead skin cells.

During puberty:

• More oil is produced
• Dead skin cells stick together
• The pore becomes blocked
• Acne bacteria multiply
• Inflammation develops

This process creates the different forms of acne seen in teenagers.

Types of Teenage Acne

• Blackheads
• Open clogged pores exposed to oxygen.
• Whiteheads
• Closed clogged pores beneath the skin.
• Papules
• Small red inflamed bumps.
• Pustules
• Inflamed pimples containing pus.
• Nodules & Cysts
• Large, painful breakouts that should be professionally assessed to reduce the risk of scarring.

What Makes Teenage Acne Worse?

Hormones are the main cause—but several factors can worsen breakouts.

These include:

• Picking pimples
• Over-cleansing
• Harsh scrubs
• Heavy pore-clogging cosmetics
• Inconsistent skincare
• Poor sleep
• High stress
• Some sporting equipment causing friction

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin.

Does Diet Cause Acne?

Diet isn’t usually the primary cause of acne, but emerging research suggests it may influence breakouts in some individuals.

Potential triggers include:

• High glycaemic foods
• Sugary drinks
• Excess dairy (particularly skim milk in susceptible people)

Diet alone rarely clears acne, but it may contribute alongside hormones and genetics.

The Best Ingredients for Teenage Skin

Healthy teenage skin usually responds best to a simple routine.

Depending on the individual, helpful ingredients may include:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) - Helps unclog pores.
• Niacinamide - Supports barrier health while helping regulate excess oil.
• Azelaic Acid - Helps reduce redness and post-acne pigmentation.
• Gentle Retinoids (when appropriate) - May improve acne and prevent clogged pores under professional guidance.
• Lightweight Moisturisers - Hydration remains essential—even for oily teenage skin.

Common Teenage Skincare Mistakes

Many teenagers accidentally make acne worse.

Common mistakes include:

• Washing the face multiple times a day
• Using alcohol-based toners
• Scrubbing aggressively
• Popping pimples
• Constantly changing products
• Following social media trends

Healthy skin responds best to consistency rather than harsh treatment.

When Should You See a Professional?

Professional advice is worthwhile if acne:

• Is painful
• Leaves scars
• Persists despite good skincare
• Affects confidence or mental wellbeing

Early treatment often prevents permanent scarring and reduces long-term inflammation.

The Skin Code Perspective™

Teenage skin doesn’t need dozens of products.
It needs:

✓ Gentle cleansing
✓ Consistent skincare
✓ Barrier support
✓ Sun protection
✓ Patience

The goal isn’t perfect skin.

The goal is creating healthy skin habits that last for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teenage acne normal?

Yes. Most teenagers experience some degree of acne during puberty because hormone levels increase oil production.

Should teenagers moisturise oily skin?

Absolutely. Skipping moisturiser can leave the skin dehydrated, causing irritation and sometimes even encouraging more oil production.

Can toothpaste dry out pimples?

No.
This is an outdated myth. Toothpaste can irritate and damage the skin barrier without effectively treating acne.

Will acne disappear after puberty?

Sometimes. Many people improve after puberty, but acne can continue into adulthood, particularly in women due to ongoing hormonal influences.

Continue Your Skin Journey

Teenage acne is only one example of how hormones can influence the skin.

In our next chapter, we’ll explore how another major hormonal transition—menopause—changes the skin’s structure, hydration, collagen and overall health.

Next Chapter: Menopausal Skin: How Hormones Change Your Skin.

Or, if you’d like personalised advice, Book a Skin Consultation at The Skin Code and let our experienced skin therapists create a skincare plan tailored to your skin, lifestyle and goals.