Tween skincare 101: Managing oily skin and acne during puberty

As children enter puberty, hormonal shifts can lead to common skin concerns like oily skin and acne, beginning in the tween years (ages 8-12) and intensifying through adolescence. Dermatologist Dr. Stephanie Ho explains that androgens stimulate oil glands to produce more sebum, a process that starts in tweens and accelerates in teenagers.

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During puberty, hormones called androgens stimulate the oil glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. This process begins in tweens when the adrenal glands start releasing hormones, but intensifies during the teenage years as hormonal changes accelerate.

This surge in oil production can clog pores, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. When excess sebum combines with dead skin cells and bacteria, inflammation occurs. Dr. Ho notes that acne affects a significant majority of teenagers, with girls typically experiencing it earlier than boys.

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Acne affects 90 to 96 percent of teenagers to some degree. Girls typically experience these changes earlier, around ages 11 to 13, while boys tend to develop them later, from ages 13 to 14.

To manage these skin issues, Dr. Ho recommends a straightforward skincare routine: a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Consistency is key, with a twice-daily routine being most effective. Parents should encourage face cleansing and showering after physical activities.

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Encourage a twice-daily routine and keep products visible in the bathroom. Parents should also emphasise cleansing the face and showering after school or sports whenever possible. Consistency matters more than using many products.

For tweens specifically dealing with acne, certain ingredients can be beneficial. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and oiliness, while azelaic acid unclogs pores and fights bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria but may irritate sensitive skin, and salicylic acid exfoliates and dissolves oil within pores. These ingredients are available over-the-counter but should be introduced gradually.

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These ingredients are available over the counter, but should be introduced gradually to assess tolerability. If acne persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment.