Acne is the dreaded four-letter word for any teen. While it can appear at any age, it typically begins around puberty and tends to intensify during adolescence. But is it an unwelcome genetic trait or are environmental factors to blame? Let's discuss whether teen acne is caused by nature or nurture.

WHAT IS TEEN ACNE?

Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris, is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting over 85% of teenagers. This chronic skin condition shows up as different types of bumps, including comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pustules (pimples) and cysts. These bumps typically appear on the face, back and chest.

While this chronic skin condition can't be eliminated, it can absolutely be managed with the proper treatment and self-care routine.

THE NATURE ARGUMENT: GENETICS AND HORMONES

If both of your parents had acne as teenagers, you have a higher chance of experiencing it too. That's because your genes influence how your immune system responds to bacteria on your skin. They also determine your pore size, how much sebum (oil) your skin produces, if your skin sheds dead cells easily and if you overproduce androgen hormones.

“Yes, acne is genetic—to a point,” says Evelyn Chen, biomedical engineer and founder of Nerd Skincare. “Genes play an important role in determining sebum production level and how skin responds to hormonal changes, stress and other internal factors.” Let's break down these factors:

HOW YOUR HORMONES INFLUENCE BREAKOUTS

During puberty, rising hormone levels cause the skin's oil glands to become larger and more active. This increase in oil production is a key reason why acne is so common during adolescence.

NATURAL RESPONSE TO BACTERIA

The skin's response to Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that contribute to acne) is another innate factor. Some individuals have a heightened inflammatory response to this bacterium due to genetic predisposition, making them more susceptible to severe breakouts.

YOUR SKIN TYPE ALSO PLAYS A ROLE

Whether your skin is oily, dry or a combination, this trait is largely influenced by your genetic makeup. Teens with naturally oily skin are more prone to clogged pores and acne, which highlights the role of biology over lifestyle factors.

THE NURTURE ARGUMENT: LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENT

While genetics set the stage, lifestyle factors can influence your breakout frequency. Chen also points out that the environment still impacts the formation of acne, along with its frequency and severity. One great way to manage teen acne is to keep your skin balanced. The most important lifestyle factors to keep in mind include:

SKINCARE HABITS AND HYGIENE

One of the major keys to healthy skin at any age is keeping it clean, exfoliated and hydrated. Keeping your skin clean is important. However, over-washing isn't the answer. Washing your face too often can strip your skin's natural moisture barrier, signaling it to produce even more oil.

STRESS, STRESS, STRESS!

The teen years can be very stressful. This same stress can cause breakouts as stress hormones increase oil production. If your skin is acne-prone, this adds fuel to the fire.

A HEALTHY DIET

Your diet also plays a part. Ever heard the saying "you are what you eat"? Your skin responds to the nutrients that you feed it. Foods high in sodium and refined sugars can irritate follicles, while a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can support healthier skin.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP

A lack of sleep can also disrupt your hormones and stimulate oil production. Getting enough rest is a simple yet powerful way to help your skin stay balanced and clear.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CLEARER SKIN

Managing teen acne is about creating a balanced routine and sticking with it. Here are some practical tips to get you started.

• Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine. Cleanse your skin morning and night to remove oil and impurities. Use a gentle product like GlyMed Plus' Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, which helps manage bacteria without being harsh.
• Keep Your Skin Hydrated. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Before moisturizing, apply our Ultra Hydro Gel for extra benefits.
• Manage Stress and Get Enough Sleep. Find activities that help you relax, like exercise or hobbies. Aim for 8 – 10 hours of sleep per night to keep your hormones balanced.
• Eat an Acne-Friendly Diet. Focus on whole foods like dark leafy greens, fruits and lean proteins. It's okay to enjoy treats in moderation, but your skin will thank you for a healthy diet. Talk to a dietician to create a fully balanced diet.
• Don't Touch or Pick at Your Skin. This can introduce more bacteria and lead to scarring. If an acne lesion is bothering you, a spot solution like the Mattifying Sulfur Masque can be applied to the area.
• Protect with SPF Daily. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. It protects your skin from damage and is a crucial step for long-term skin health. Look for an oil-free option like our Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30 to moisturize and protect.

COMMON TEEN ACNE MYTHS: TRUE OR FALSE?

There's a lot of misinformation out there about teen acne, so let's clear up a few common myths.

DOES CHOCOLATE CAUSE ACNE?

For most people, no. Acne's main cause is a combination of genetics, hormones and bacteria, not your favorite candy bar.

DOES WASHING MORE PREVENT ACNE?

Not necessarily. Washing more than twice a day can strip your skin of essential moisture and may worsen acne.

DO GREASY FOODS CAUSE BREAKOUTS?

While a balanced diet is important for overall health, the occasional burger and fries are unlikely to be the sole cause of your acne.

DOES POPPING MAKE ACNE GO AWAY FASTER?

It might seem like a quick fix, but popping can lead to more inflammation, infection and potential scarring.

IS ACNE JUST A HYGIENE PROBLEM?

No. Acne is a complex skin condition partially caused by internal factors like hormones and genetics.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SKIN JOURNEY

While you can't change your genes, you have the power to influence your skin through your daily choices. A consistent skincare routine and healthy lifestyle can make a world of difference. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Ready to find the right products for your skin? Take the first step toward a clearer complexion by talking to one of GlyMed's professional aestheticians. Your local GlyMed Pro is easy to find and ready to help! They can create a customized skincare routine to bring you closer to your skin goals.