85% of teens will experience some form of acne, according to the latest studies by the American Academy of Dermatology. Although some parents think it is simply a part of being a teenager and allowing it to run its course, oil gland development tells a different story. Acne may only continue to get worse.
Along the way, your child may struggle with low self-esteem, shame, embarrassment, and lifelong scars— all of which can be avoided by acting sooner. But many parents don’t know how or when to help. Where to start? What will work?
The basics of acne.
Acne comes in two different forms: inflamed and non-inflamed acne. Inflamed acne is what many are used to seeing with pimples that can be red and contain pus. However, acne usually first starts as non-inflamed acne. This is when the oil and the dead skin cells build up in the pore causing blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are more commonly recognized by feeling a bumpy consistency on the skin’s surface.
When does acne start to form? What does it look like?
Between the age of 8-12 years old, the oil glands start activity from the presence of testosterone increasing in the body. When testosterone is released into the bloodstream, it turns into an enzyme called dihydrotestosterone. This enzyme increases the oil glands’ oil production. There is generally a sequence in which the oil glands start to develop. Think of it as a flower bud that starts to open up and expand as a wave. Hormones don’t cause the acne. They only trigger the process in genetically acne-prone skin.
Acne can start forming at just 8 years old.
The follicles on the face, chest, upper shoulders, and back are stimulated again to enlarge and begin producing more oil. The “flower bud” of oil glands starts to open up and expand like a wave. There is a range in ages as every person is different, but the process begins far sooner than often expected.
When you start to notice the development of clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads) around 8-12 years old, this is the time to start treating the skin. Instead of allowing the acne to run its course, take control and manage this very common skin condition.
What to do next? How does Over It! help?
We have made this very simple and affordable with our Tween Routine. This routine is curated to wash away impurities without drying sensitive skin.
Cleanse the skin with Gentle Cleanser, quench with Hydrator Serum, smooth with Mandelic Serum at night, and seal and protect with SPF 50 in the daytime.
This routine is simple, safe, easy, and effective at clearing acne before it gets worse. Simply follow the directions, and be consistent. Consistency is the key to success.
Have questions about your tween or teen’s skin and want our experts to confirm this is the best direction? Text us pictures to (833) 416-3593 and we will get back to you shortly!
