What Causes Teenage Acne? Breakouts And Blackheads Explained

If you are wondering what causes teenage acne, puberty-related hormonal changes are one of the main reasons. These changes can increase the amount of oil produced by the skin and make blocked hair follicles more likely, which can lead to blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots.

Acne is not simply a sign that skin is dirty, and washing your face more often will not remove the blockage causing it. Understanding what is happening inside the skin can make it easier to build a sensible routine without over-cleansing, scrubbing or constantly changing products.

If you are trying to put together a straightforward routine, our children and teen skincare range brings together cleansers, moisturisers, sun protection and other products designed with younger skin in mind.

How Do Teenage Breakouts Form?

Acne develops around hair follicles and their associated sebaceous glands. These glands make sebum, the natural oil that helps protect the skin. During puberty, hormonal changes can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

At the same time, cells lining the follicle can contribute to a blockage. Oil and cellular material can collect inside the follicle, creating a comedone. An open comedone is what we commonly call a blackhead, while a closed comedone is a whitehead.

Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium that normally lives on the skin, can also contribute to inflammation within blocked follicles. When inflammation develops, acne may appear as red papules, pustules or, in more severe cases, deeper nodules or cysts.

If you want help distinguishing between these different spots, our guide to the different types of acne explains how blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts differ.

Why Is Acne So Common During The Teenage Years?

Hormonal Changes And Oil Production

Puberty is one of the main reasons acne becomes common during adolescence. Hormonal changes can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, creating conditions in which blocked follicles are more likely to develop.

This does not mean that oily skin is dirty or that somebody with acne is not cleansing properly. In fact, the NHS specifically advises against washing acne-prone skin more than twice a day because frequent washing can irritate the skin.

Family History

Genetics can also influence how likely someone is to develop acne. The NHS notes that acne can run in families, so having parents who experienced acne may increase the likelihood of developing it yourself.

This is another reason not to blame yourself for breakouts. Skin type, hormones and inherited factors can all play a part.

Skincare, Make-Up And Hair Products

Some products can make blocked pores more likely, particularly oily or comedogenic formulas. Hair styling products can also come into contact with the forehead and hairline, where they may contribute to congestion in some people.

For acne-prone skin, NICE recommends avoiding oil-based and comedogenic skincare, sunscreen and make-up where possible. Make-up should also be removed before going to bed.

Sweat, Friction And Sport

Sweat itself is not the underlying cause of acne, but leaving sweat sitting on already acne-prone skin can be irritating. Tight clothing, helmets, straps and sports equipment can also create friction or pressure against the skin.

After exercise, showering and changing out of sweaty clothing is sensible. There is no need to repeatedly scrub the skin or use an aggressive cleanser.

Does Stress Cause Teenage Acne?

Stress is unlikely to explain acne on its own, but research suggests it can be associated with acne flare-ups in some people. Stress can also make it harder to avoid habits such as picking spots or constantly changing products.

If breakouts seem worse during stressful periods, keeping skincare simple is usually more useful than adding several new active products at once.

Does Food Cause Acne?

Diet and acne are frequently discussed online, but the evidence is not straightforward. Current NICE guidance says there is not enough evidence to recommend a particular diet specifically for treating acne.

A balanced diet remains important for general health, but teenagers should not be encouraged to remove whole food groups simply because somebody online claims that a particular food causes spots.

What Causes Blackheads?

Blackheads are open comedones. A follicle becomes blocked, but its opening remains exposed at the surface of the skin. The dark appearance is not dirt, so scrubbing harder will not wash a blackhead away.

Blackheads commonly appear around oilier areas such as the nose, forehead and chin. Gentle cleansing and avoiding products that are likely to block pores are more sensible than repeated extraction or harsh scrubs.

If visible blackheads are a regular concern, Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask 50ml is a current Clear Start mask designed specifically for oiliness, congestion and blackheads. Dermalogica advises applying it to congested areas for three to five minutes before rinsing.

A cosmetic mask can be an optional addition to a routine, but persistent or more severe acne may need appropriate pharmacy or medical treatment rather than increasingly strong skincare.

What Causes Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are closed comedones. The basic blockage is similar to a blackhead, but the follicle opening remains closed, creating a small white or skin-coloured bump.

Avoid squeezing whiteheads. Picking can increase irritation and, according to NICE, persistent picking or scratching of acne lesions can increase the risk of scarring.

Are Blackheads A Sign Of Dirty Skin?

No. Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, and blackheads are not pores filled with dirt. Washing harder or using abrasive scrubs can irritate the skin without addressing what is happening inside the follicle.

A simple routine used consistently is usually a better starting point than trying to make the skin feel completely oil-free.

Simple Skincare Habits For Teenage Breakouts

1. Cleanse gently twice a day. Use lukewarm water and a suitable cleanser. Avoid repeatedly washing your face throughout the day simply because it feels oily.
2. Do not scrub, pick or squeeze. Rough treatment can irritate acne-prone skin, while picking increases the risk of marks and scarring.
3. Choose products carefully. Look for skincare, make-up and sunscreen described as non-comedogenic or designed not to clog pores where possible.
4. Keep skin comfortable. Acne-prone skin can still become dry, particularly when using active skincare or acne medicines. A suitable lightweight moisturiser can help if skin feels dry or tight.
5. Keep the routine manageable. Introducing several exfoliants, masks and spot products at once can make it difficult to tell what is helping and what is irritating the skin.

Which Skincare Products Might Suit Breakout-Prone Teenage Skin?

A cleanser is usually the most sensible place to begin. Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash 177ml is formulated for oily and breakout-prone younger skin and contains salicylic acid. It can be used on the face as well as breakout-prone areas such as the chest and back.

Skin does not need to be stripped of all oil to be properly cleansed. If a cleanser leaves your face persistently tight, sore or flaky, review how often you are using it and whether the rest of your routine contains other exfoliating products.

Sun protection also remains an important part of looking after skin. If heavier sunscreens feel uncomfortable, Dermalogica Clear Start Clearing Defense SPF30 59ml is a lightweight, mattifying SPF moisturiser designed for breakout-prone skin and formulated not to clog pores.

These products can support a skincare routine, but cosmetics should not be confused with medical acne treatment. If you have acne that needs treatment, a pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable medicines.

When Should A Teenager Get Help With Acne?

Mild acne can often be discussed with a pharmacist, who can advise on treatments available without a prescription. Give appropriate acne treatment time to work rather than expecting spots to disappear overnight.

Speak to a GP if acne is not improving after trying appropriate treatment, if there are lots of spots, if spots are deep or painful, if scarring is developing, or if acne is having a significant effect on confidence or mental wellbeing.

Nodules and cysts require particular care because deeper acne carries a greater risk of scarring. Getting appropriate advice early is more sensible than repeatedly trying stronger cosmetic products at home.

Keep Teenage Skincare Simple

Teenage breakouts are common, but they are not a sign of poor hygiene or something that needs to be scrubbed away. Hormones, oil production, follicle blockage, inflammation and individual susceptibility all contribute to acne, which is why one person's skin can behave very differently from another's.

Start with gentle cleansing, avoid picking, choose products that suit acne-prone skin and seek appropriate advice if spots become persistent, painful or begin to scar. You can also browse our children and teen skincare collection if you need straightforward products for a simple home routine.