Skincare Guide · Tweens & Teens

Why Do Kids and Young Teens Get Acne?

Acne and breakouts are common during puberty. Learn why they happen, what changes in young skin can contribute to spots, and when it may be time to seek professional advice.

Short answer: During puberty, hormonal changes can increase oil production in the skin. Extra oil and dead skin cells can contribute to clogged pores, which may lead to spots and acne.

Seeing spots appear for the first time can be confusing for both young people and parents. It is easy to wonder whether acne is caused by poor hygiene or using the wrong skincare products.

In most cases, acne during the tween and teenage years is closely linked to the natural changes that happen during puberty. It is not simply a sign that someone is not washing their face properly.

For young people aged 9–16, these changes can be a normal part of growing up. However, the amount and severity of acne can vary considerably from person to person.

Why does acne start during puberty?

Puberty changes more than just height, voice and hormones. The skin changes too. Hormonal activity can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, the natural oil that helps protect the skin.

When more oil is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and contribute to blocked pores. These clogged pores can develop into blackheads, whiteheads and spots.

What can cause acne in kids and young teens?

Hormonal changes during puberty can increase oil production.
Extra sebum can make the skin oilier and contribute to clogged pores.
Dead skin cells can build up inside pores together with oil.
Individual skin differences mean some young people experience more breakouts than others.

Is acne caused by poor hygiene?

No. Acne is not simply caused by having a dirty face. Washing or scrubbing the skin too aggressively can cause irritation and make the skin feel worse.

A gentle, consistent skincare routine is generally a better starting point than repeatedly washing the face or using strong products.

For practical advice, read our guide to the best skincare routine for acne-prone kids .

Does skincare cause acne?

Skincare does not automatically cause acne. However, using products that are too harsh, introducing too many products at once or constantly changing a routine can irritate young skin.

For tweens and teens, it is usually sensible to start with the basics rather than immediately reaching for strong acne treatments.

Learn more in our guide: What Skincare Should Kids Avoid?

What can help with breakouts?

For mild, occasional breakouts, keeping skincare simple can be a sensible starting point. Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration when needed and daily sun protection rather than adding lots of acne products.

Avoid picking or squeezing spots and avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive cleansing.

If you are looking for practical advice about individual spots, read: How to Get Rid of Pimples for Kids .

When should you seek professional advice?

Occasional spots are common during puberty, but persistent or severe acne may need more than cosmetic skincare.

Consider speaking to a qualified healthcare professional if acne is persistent, painful, deep, severe, causing scarring or not improving with a sensible skincare routine.

FAQ

Why do kids get acne?

Acne commonly develops during puberty when hormonal changes can increase oil production and contribute to clogged pores.

Is acne normal during puberty?

Acne and occasional breakouts are very common during puberty, although the amount and severity can vary from person to person.

Should kids with acne wash their face more often?

Not necessarily. Gentle cleansing is generally preferable to repeatedly washing or aggressively scrubbing the skin.

Should a teenager with painful or severe acne see a dermatologist?

Yes. Painful, deep, scarring or persistent acne may need medical treatment rather than cosmetic skincare alone.

The bottom line

Acne in kids and young teens is often connected to the hormonal changes that happen during puberty. Increased oil production and clogged pores can contribute to spots and breakouts.

The answer is not necessarily more skincare. For many young people, a simple, gentle and consistent routine is a sensible place to start.

Acne is not a failure of skincare. When breakouts are persistent, painful or severe, professional advice is often more useful than simply adding more products.

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. If a young person has persistent, painful or severe acne, or is at risk of scarring, consult a qualified healthcare professional.