The teenage years are filled with exciting changes – new schools and friends, more independence and freedom, and a budding social life. However, it is at this precise time when many teens are desperate to look their best that hormones, especially androgen, which is responsible for many of the physical changes that take place during puberty, start causing havoc.
These hormones affect many different parts of the body, and the skin is not spared. Changes include an increase in oil production leading to spots, breakouts and, at worst, acne.
It is believed that between 80 and 90% of teens are affected by acne to some degree, with most suffering at least some spots or breakouts.

The Science Behind Breakouts

Basically, the increase in androgen hormones causes oil glands to produce too much oil or as it is often called, serum. This overproduction blocks pores leading to the growth of bacteria.
If the blocked pore becomes infected you get what we commonly call a pimple. If the pore becomes blocked but stays open, it develops a blackish appearance due to oxidation and it is then called a blackhead.
Pustules or cysts – which occur in the most severe cases – form when the blockage and inflammation occurs deep inside the pore causing large painful lumps. The latter is what is most commonly associated with acne – which is somewhat more severe than a few pimples or the occasional breakout.

Solutions

The teen skin market has grown significantly over the past few years with several gentle, yet effective options now available. Harsh products that dry the skin out and in the long term cause more damage than good have been replaced with ranges such as Bare Addiction Skincare that focus on gentle, natural ingredients. Some of these active ingredients include salicylic acid, niacinamide (Vit B3) and Azelaic Acid.

Beat the Breakouts

The key, according to dermatologists, is to keep your skincare routine simple and consistent: Stick to the basics of washing or cleansing twice a day (except if you have been doing sport and have been sweating – then you’ll want to cleanse directly after finishing the activity). Try a gentle foaming face wash like Bare Addiction Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser.

Follow with a light moisturiser, preferably one with an SPF. Dry and sun-damaged is often sensitive and irritated and can put you at greater risk for acne. We recommend Bare Addiction Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30, which hydrates while controlling shine as well as protecting the skin from UV, environmental pollution, and blue light stress.