More oily skin
Acne and oily skin during puberty often go together. You may notice a shinier forehead, nose, or chin, especially by the end of the day.
Worried About Puberty Acne and Skin Changes?
If your child is dealing with new breakouts, oily skin, or clogged pores, you’re not alone. Learn what causes acne during puberty, what skin changes are common in boys and girls, and how to get personalized guidance for what to do next.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions about your child’s puberty skin changes
Share what you’re seeing—such as teen acne during puberty, oily skin, blackheads, or worsening breakouts—and get guidance tailored to your child’s current symptoms and age.
01
Why acne often starts during puberty
Puberty acne in kids and teens usually begins when hormone changes increase oil production in the skin. That extra oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples. For some children, acne appears early with the first signs of puberty. For others, it becomes more noticeable as puberty progresses. While breakouts are common, the pattern, severity, and timing can differ from child to child.
02
Common skin changes parents notice during puberty
Blackheads and clogged pores
Puberty skin changes in children often include small bumps, blackheads on the nose or forehead, and pores that seem more visible than before.
New breakouts on the face, chest, or back
Puberty breakouts in teens can show up in several areas, not just the face. Some children develop mild pimples, while others have red, tender, or more widespread acne.
03
How skin changes can differ in boys and girls
Skin changes during puberty in boys
Boys may develop oilier skin and more noticeable acne as testosterone levels rise. Breakouts can become more common on the forehead, chest, shoulders, and back.
Skin changes during puberty in girls
Girls may notice acne around the forehead, nose, and chin, with breakouts sometimes becoming more obvious as hormone patterns shift through puberty.
Different timing is normal
When puberty acne starts can vary. Some children get early mild breakouts, while others develop acne later or see it worsen over time.
04
How to help puberty acne at home
Keep skin care simple
Use a gentle cleanser twice daily and avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and make breakouts look worse.
Watch for patterns
Notice whether acne is mild and occasional or becoming more inflamed, painful, or widespread. This helps you decide when extra support may be needed.
Get guidance based on what you’re seeing
Because puberty skin changes in children can range from normal oiliness to more persistent acne, personalized guidance can help you understand what’s typical and what steps may help next.
05
Frequently asked questions
When does puberty acne start?
Puberty acne can start around the same time as other early puberty changes, but the exact timing varies. Some kids develop oily skin and a few pimples early on, while others do not notice acne until later in puberty.
What causes acne during puberty?
Hormone changes during puberty increase oil production in the skin. That extra oil can clog pores along with dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples.
Are skin changes during puberty different in boys and girls?
Yes. Skin changes during puberty in boys and girls can overlap, but timing and severity may differ. Boys often develop very oily skin and acne on the face, chest, or back, while girls may notice facial breakouts that change as puberty progresses.
How can I help puberty acne without making it worse?
Start with gentle skin care, avoid picking or harsh scrubbing, and pay attention to whether the acne is mild or becoming painful, inflamed, or more widespread. If you are unsure what is normal, personalized guidance can help you choose next steps.
Personalized assessment
Get personalized guidance for your child’s puberty acne
Answer a few questions about your child’s breakouts, oily skin, or clogged pores to get clear, parent-friendly guidance tailored to the skin changes you’re seeing right now.