GET THE TRUTH STRAIGHT FROM THE YOUTH ABOUT TEEN SKIN CARE+SAT@ 2:30pm PST

Almost all teens get acne. It happens when an oily substance called sebum clogs pores.

Pimples usually pop up on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne isn't a serious health risk, though severe acne can cause permanent scars. Acne can also damage self-esteem.  

It is not clear why some people are more prone to acne than others. The exact cause of acne is not known, but hormones called androgens can play a role. Androgens increase in both boys and girls during puberty. Androgens make the skin's oil glands get larger and make more sebum. Androgens also can increase because of hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills.

Genetics may also matter. If your parents had acne, you may have inherited that tendency.

Some medications (for example, epilepsy medication, prednisone, androgens taken as medicine, and lithium) can cause acne.

Cosmetics that have a greasy consistency may also clog pores. Water-based products are less likely to cause acne than oil-based makeup.

Other things that can make acne worse include:

• Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin; harsh scrubbing
• Picking or squeezing blemishes
• Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars
• Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women two to seven days before the start of the menstrual period
• Stress