Here's everything you need to understand the causes of spots.
Teen spots usually occur during puberty when the body starts to produce hormones (otherwise known as androgens). These hormones stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands and cause them to overproduce sebum – an oily substance essential for lubricating skin and hair to stop it drying out.
When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog hair follicles, causing them to bulge outwards to create a whitehead. In some instances, the blocked follicle is slightly more open, and a blackhead is formed.
When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog hair follicles.
Bacteria that live naturally on the skin (and are normally completely harmless) will sometimes contaminate these blocked follicles, creating spots.
But spots aren’t all hormonal; other triggers include the use of oily cosmetic products, certain medications and regularly wearing items which apply pressure to the affected area of skin.
2020 brought us a new skin problem – ‘Maskne’, breakouts where a mask touches your face. Our advice? Get the softest, most comfortable mask you can, and take extra care of your face. See more in our FAQs.
If you’re worried about spots – try not to. They are a perfectly natural part of growing up, and usually subside as you get past adolescence.
A perfectly natural part of growing up.
