Teen acne is incredibly common, and for good reason! When puberty hits, the body increases its production of androgens (especially testosterone), which sends oil glands into overdrive. More oil means more chance for pores to clog, especially when it mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria. The result? Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots.
Teen acne tends to show up primarily on the T-zone: the forehead, nose, and chin—places where oil glands are most concentrated. And because teens often have more active oil glands, their skin can look shiny and feel greasy, which makes them more prone to surface congestion and blocked pores.
There’s also the challenge of inconsistency with school, sports, diet changes, and sleep deprivation all playing a role in flare-ups. Let’s not forget the temptation to pick, squeeze, or pile on spot treatments that can irritate skin further.
What teenage skin really needs is balancing products that can:
- Gently exfoliate to keep pores clear
- Reduce inflammation and redness
- Cleanse without stripping away all the good oils
- Encourage healthy skin habits early on
Unlike teen acne, adult acne is often chronic and hormonal in nature, but it’s also influenced by lifestyle, stress, diet, gut health, poor sleep, and skincare habits. Many adults, especially women, notice breakouts worsen around menstruation, during pregnancy, after stopping hormonal birth control, or during periods of high stress.
Here’s what sets adult acne apart:
- It tends to cluster around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks, often in painful, under-the-skin cysts.
- Skin may be drier or more sensitive, especially if you’re using anti-aging products, retinoids, or over-exfoliating.
- Healing takes longer, and breakouts are more likely to leave behind hyperpigmentation or scarring.
- You may get fewer breakouts, but they tend to be deeper and more persistent.
