Understanding teen acne: causes, types, and solutions

Teen acne is one of the most common skin concerns during adolescence and early adulthood. Almost everyone experiences it at some point. Yet many teens and parents still feel unsure about why breakouts appear and what actually helps.

This guide explains what is happening in the skin, the different types of acne in teens, and how to manage it gently and effectively.

Your skin’s natural process

Your skin contains thousands of tiny openings called pores. Inside each pore is a hair follicle and a sebaceous (oil) gland. The oil produced by this gland, known as sebum, plays an important role in keeping skin soft, flexible, and protected.

Under normal conditions, dead skin cells rise to the surface and shed naturally while sebum spreads across the skin to maintain balance. Teen acne develops when this process becomes disrupted (Kurokawa et al., 2009).

What goes wrong in teen acne

Clogging of pores

When dead skin cells do not shed properly, they can mix with oil and block a pore. This blockage, known as a comedone, is the starting point of acne (Dréno, 2017).

Buildup of sebum

During the teenage years, hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. When oil becomes trapped inside a clogged pore, the pore enlarges and creates an environment where acne-associated bacteria can proliferate (Thiboutot et al., 2009).

Inflammation

The immune system responds to bacterial activity within the blocked pore. This leads to redness, swelling, and tenderness, producing visible pimples and, in some cases, deeper lesions (Dréno et al., 2018).

Types of acne in teens

Blackheads

Blackheads form when a clogged pore remains open at the surface. The trapped oil and dead skin cells darken when exposed to air, producing a black or dark brown appearance (Kurokawa et al., 2009).

Whiteheads

Whiteheads occur when a pore is completely blocked and closed at the surface. The trapped material appears as a small white or skin-coloured bump (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

Comedones

Blackheads and whiteheads are collectively called comedones. They represent the earliest and most common stage of teen acne (Dréno, 2017).

Inflamed acne

When comedones become irritated, they may progress to red papules, pustules, or deeper, painful nodules and cysts (Thiboutot et al., 2009).

Why teen acne flares up

Hormones

During puberty, androgen levels increase and stimulate sebaceous gland activity, leading to higher sebum production. This is a primary driver of acne in teens (Kurokawa et al., 2009).

Genetics

Family history influences how active oil glands are and how the skin responds to inflammation, affecting the likelihood and severity of acne (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

Stress, diet, and lifestyle

These factors do not directly cause teen acne, but they can exacerbate existing breakouts by influencing inflammation, hormonal balance, and skin barrier function (Preneau & Dréno, 2012).

Inappropriate skincare

Products that clog pores, strip the skin, or disrupt the barrier can worsen acne. Gentle, non-comedogenic skincare supports better long-term control (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

The good news about teen acne

Blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples do not mean your skin is “dirty.” They are signs of clogged and inflamed pores. With the right routine, it is possible to manage oil production, keep pores clear, and protect the skin barrier.

At Upenya, we focus on gentle, science-backed care for teen acne:

• Exfoliating Cleanser – removes excess oil and dead skin cells without stripping

• Moisturising Gel – hydrates while supporting the skin barrier and avoiding pore blockage

• Blemish Care – targets active breakouts and supports skin recovery

Healthy, balanced skin begins with understanding what is happening beneath the surface.

Practical tips for managing teen acne

Maintain a consistent routine

Cleansing, moisturising, and targeted treatment work best when done consistently. Results come from steady care rather than quick fixes (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

Avoid touching your face

Hands transfer oil, bacteria, and debris to the skin, which can worsen breakouts (Dréno et al., 2018).

Stay hydrated

Adequate hydration supports overall skin function and barrier health (Rawlings & Harding, 2004).

Choose non-comedogenic products

Products labelled “non-comedogenic” are less likely to block pores and contribute to new lesions (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

Change pillowcases and towels regularly

Fabrics can accumulate oil and bacteria, increasing exposure to acne-promoting factors (Lai & Gallo, 2009).

Seek professional advice when needed

Persistent, painful, or scarring teen acne should be assessed by a dermatologist for personalised treatment options (Zaenglein et al., 2016).

Conclusion

Understanding teen acne is the first step toward managing it effectively. By learning what causes breakouts and recognising the different types of acne in teens, you can make informed choices about skincare and daily habits.

Teen acne is common, and you are not alone. With gentle, consistent care and evidence-based products, clearer and healthier-looking skin is achievable.

References

1. Zaenglein, A.L., Pathy, A.L., Schlosser, B.J., et al. (2016) ‘Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–973.e33.

2. Kurokawa, I., Danby, F.W., Ju, Q., et al. (2009) ‘New developments in our understanding of acne pathogenesis and treatment’, Experimental Dermatology, 18(10), 821–832.

3. Lai, Y. & Gallo, R.L. (2009) ‘AMPed up immunity: how antimicrobial peptides have multiple roles in immune defense’, Trends in Immunology, 30(3), 131–141.

4. Dréno, B., Pecastaings, S., Corvec, S., et al. (2018) ‘Cutibacterium acnes and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates’, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 32(Suppl. 2), 5–14.

5. Thiboutot, D., Gollnick, H., Bettoli, V., et al. (2009) ‘New insights into the management of acne’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 60(5), S1–S50.

6. Preneau, S. & Dréno, B. (2012) ‘Female acne – a different subtype of teenager acne?’, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 26(3), 277–282.

7. Dréno, B. (2017) ‘What is new in the pathophysiology of acne, an overview’, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(S5), 8–12.

8. Rawlings, A.V. & Harding, C.R. (2004) ‘Moisturization and skin barrier function’, Clinical Dermatology, 22(4–5), 323–329.