WHY BLACKHEADS AND PIMPLES BEGIN TO APPEAR DURING ADOLESCENCE

Perchè acne e brufoli in adolescenza
The appearance of blackheads and pimples in adolescence can be caused by various factors, mainly due to the various hormonal changes that occur.

Increase in sex hormones

During puberty, the body produces a major quantity of hormones, bringing some functions into imbalance. For example, they stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (an oily substance that helps protect the skin and keep it healthy) which, if not controlled and adequately eliminated, can accumulate in the follicles, causing a fertile ground for the proliferation of bacteria (in particular Propionibacterium acnees ) and therefore give rise to inflammation, the appearance of comedones, papules and pustules.

Clogged pores and presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

Pores (small openings on the surface of the skin) can become clogged when sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt build up. When clogged pores remain open, exposure to air oxidizes the sebum, causing it to appear dark, resulting in blackheads. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are similar to blackheads, but instead the clogged pore is closed on the surface of the skin, creating a small white or flesh-colored bump.

Bacterial growth

The skin has a variety of bacteria and yeasts that play different roles in skin health. Hormonal changes during puberty can affect the composition and activity of these microorganisms. When pores are clogged, these bacteria proliferate and produce chemicals that cause inflammation, leading to the formation of papules, pustules (pimples). In particular, the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes , which feeds on sebum, is the main reason acne appears.

External Factors

Adolescence is also a time when kids start to change their eating habits or experience higher levels of stress. Several recent studies claim that certain foods and stressful situations can negatively affect our skin.

For example, foods with a high glycemic index can cause blood sugar spikes, triggering a increased production of insulin and hormones which can make inflammation on the skin worse. 

Although cow's milk has a low glycemic index, some studies suggest that the hormones present (such as estrogen and progesterone) can stimulate the sebaceous glands and produce more sebum.  

Stress, in particular, can further stimulate the production of hormones such as cortisol which will in turn increase the production of sebum.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetics play a major role in the susceptibility to pimples and acne. If parents had pimples and acne when they were young, their children are more likely to suffer from them during adolescence.

 

Hormonal changes during adolescence are the main reason for blackheads and pimples apperance.

They are a natural part of development, although they can be annoying, they are temporary and can be managed with a good skincare routine, in more severe cases it is recommended to visit a dermatologist.  

 

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