Teen acne: when does it start, and when should you see a doctor?

Teen acne starts when sex hormones increase during puberty and sebum production rises, and it commonly begins as small closed comedones in the T-zone, such as the forehead and nose. If home care does not reduce the comedones, or if red, pus-filled acne keeps recurring and starts to leave marks, it is a good idea to have an examination.

Why does teen acne develop?

During puberty, sex hormones such as androgens increase in both boys and girls, enlarging the sebaceous glands and increasing sebum production. As dead skin at the pore opening thickens and traps sebum, it becomes white or black comedones, and when acne bacteria multiply inside and cause inflammation, it progresses to red, pus-filled acne. A family history of severe acne, habits like bangs touching the forehead or frequently touching it with your hands, and oily sunscreens and cosmetics can also fuel acne.

Middle school and elementary school acne: what to look for by age

Acne in middle schoolers is a common occurrence that comes with the changes of puberty, often starting on the forehead and nose and spreading to the cheeks and chin. Acne in elementary schoolers is seen in children who enter puberty early; if a child has a lot of acne for their age, or if rapid height growth and body hair changes appear at the same time, it is a good idea to check their growth status with a pediatrician as well.

• Wash your face twice, morning and evening, with a gentle cleanser, without rubbing.
• Do not squeeze acne with your fingers or nails, and keep bangs from touching your forehead.
• Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens and moisturizers.
• Rinse a sweaty face with lukewarm water after exercise.

Treatment for teen acne starts with topical medications and care such as extraction and scaling, and oral medication is considered if inflammation is widespread or scars begin to form. Oral medications must be weighed against age, stage of development, and side effects depending on the type, so they are decided through an examination. At our Suwon clinic, acne treatment combines extraction, anti-inflammatory injections, and scaling across sessions.

Closed comedones, pustular acne, and nodular acne in Suwon: how are they different?

See scaling treatment details

After extraction and scaling, temporary redness, a hot sensation, and breakouts may occur; if swelling and pain get progressively worse, please contact the clinic. If you are taking any medications or have allergies, please let us know before your visit.

FAQ

Q. Does teen acne go away on its own as you grow up?

A. It commonly decreases after puberty, but the timing differs from person to person and it can continue into the twenties. In the meantime, leaving pus-filled acne alone or squeezing it can leave pitted scars, so if inflammation keeps recurring, it is best to get treatment.

Q. Can middle schoolers get acne extraction at a dermatology clinic?

A. Depending on skin condition, yes. When there are many comedones and inflammation is not deep, emptying clogged sebum with sterilized tools can reduce the skin damage caused by squeezing at home, and the extent and number of extractions are decided after an examination.

Q. Does changing cosmetics help with teen acne?

A. If oily sunscreens, creams, or heavy makeup are clogging the pores, switching to lighter formulas can help. However, inflammatory acne is hard to calm with cosmetics alone, so if red, pus-filled acne keeps recurring, have an examination.