Acne Basics

It’s time for you and your child to Take Charge! Arm yourself with knowledge so you can help your child fight their acne.

If over-the-counter products haven’t made an impact after two months, it’s time to ask for advice from a doctor. Make a doctor’s appointment and get your child started on recommended professional treatment before their acne gets worse, and help them avoid the physical and emotional scars of acne. Don’t let your child suffer through acne.

Acne Facts

  • Acne can include whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and, in some people, cysts - deep, painful and inflamed bumps
  • Acne most commonly pops up on the face, but the back, chest, shoulders and neck can break out too.
  • Some people continue to break out into their 20s, 30s and even beyond.
  • Severe acne can scar your skin.
  • Acne can pack an emotional punch. Read about the emotional impact of acne.

The Life Cycle of Acne

Watch the growth of an acne blemish.

What Causes Acne?

First of all, let’s dispel some acne myths: People do not get acne from eating chocolate or greasy food, from using makeup, or from not washing their face enough. The truth is, no one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormones and bacteria have something to do with it, and if you had acne as a child, you might have passed along a hereditary tendency to break out to your child. Here’s a step-by-step glimpse into the development of a zit.

Hormones Surge

  • Androgens (a type of hormone) surge during puberty.
  • These androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to more sebum and potentially more acne.
Acne can be more severe for guys because they have more androgens. Sound unfair? This evens the score: Hormone-induced acne starts earlier for girls, and often worsens at certain times of the month.