Kids get acne because of hormone changes that come with puberty. If your parent had acne as a teen, it's likely that you will too. Stress may make acne worse, because when you're stressed, your pores may make more sebum. Luckily, for most people, acne gets better by the time they're in their twenties.
Acne is very common. Most children and young adults between ages 11 and 30 will have acne at some point. Acne most often begins in puberty. But it can happen at any age.
Acne is extremely rare in older infants, toddlers, and young children. If your child has a skin condition, it's most likely something that looks like acne but isn't. Make an appointment to see your pediatrician for a diagnosis.
Cohen also stresses to parents that they can expect early acne to be the new “normal.” "We know now that a lot of normal kids will develop acne at this young age," he says.
Acne is strongly associated with eating a Western-style diet rich in calories, fat and refined carbohydrates ( 25 , 26 ). Fast food items, such as burgers, nuggets, hot dogs, french fries, sodas and milkshakes, are mainstays of a typical Western diet and may increase acne risk.
The condition is common and temporary. There's little you can do to prevent baby acne. It usually clears up on its own without scarring.
If your child has inflamed pimples, have them use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser once or twice a day. If cleansers dry out your child's face, have them use a moisturizer after washing. Be sure to choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and fragrance-free.
For some teens and preteens with mild acne, over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may suffice. But if you don't see any improvement within the first month or two of use, you should consider taking your child to a dermatologist.
Acne has several causes. Increased levels of hormones during puberty have a part. Heredity also plays an important role. Some skin bacteria can make it worse.
Dermatologists are starting to see more 7- and 8-year-olds with mild acne, such as white- and blackheads on the forehead, nose, and chin.
Just like adult skin, your toddler's sensitive skin can get irritated and have blocked pores. This can sometimes trap germs in their skin and cause toddler acne. Even food left on your child's face can sometimes irritate their skin, block pores, and lead to toddler acne — or, more commonly, rashes that look like acne.
About Face
Another thing that comes with puberty is acne, or pimples. Acne is triggered by puberty hormones. Pimples usually start around the beginning of puberty and can stick around during adolescence (the teen years). You may notice pimples on your face, your upper back, or your upper chest.
Working well for acne-prone skin is Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser. Formulated with salicylic acid to help clear and prevent breakouts, it's imbued with white tea and aloe vera to nourish and soothe sensitive skin.
The Right Time for Your Child's First Dermatology Visit
We recommend parents bring their children to their first dermatologist screening between the ages of 12-15. In these early teenage years, kids are starting to battle acne, making it a prime opportunity for an initial skin screening.
Acne is an extremely common skin condition in adolescence. It can begin in early adolescence (around age 10) or in some adolescents, it may not develop until late adolescence (around age 17).
What is Pediatric and Adolescent Acne? Acne is the result of sebaceous glands creating too much oil and clogging hair follicles (spots on the skin where hair grows out). Follicles are also commonly called pores. Once clogged, bacteria can grow, which creates a bulge in a child's skin.
Adolescents and young adults between ages 12 and 24 tend to be the most affected group. It usually begins during the start of puberty, affecting girls earlier than boys. Typically people will outgrow acne but about 12 percent of women and 3 percent of men may still have acne even in their 40s.
Cheek acne may be due to one or more of the following: makeup, your phone spreading bacteria, dirty pillowcases, touching your face, or hormonal changes. The good news is there are several steps you can take to prevent it or reduce the severity of your cheek acne. See a doctor to get your acne treated.
Affectionate kisses on your baby's cheeks when they're born don't cause baby acne. Baby acne is usually the result of hormonal changes that cause their pores to temporarily clog.
Researchers suggest that those hormones may throw your hormones off balance when you consume milk products. This could trigger acne. Another theory is that the growth hormones already in milk naturally aggravate acne no matter what.
Kiwis, cherries, and stone fruits (like peaches, nectarines, and plums) may be good for acne because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kiwis are a high fiber fruit packed with vitamin C and vitamin E. Peaches have b-complex vitamins, which may help improve skin tone and texture.