Common Age Groups for Acne Development

Infant Acne

Infant acne is a very common condition and the baby's way of clearing excess hormones left over from their time in the womb. This typically only last a matter of weeks at the most and appears as tiny bumps on the face. This is found primarily on the cheeks but can also be found on the chin and forehead. This requires no treatment and you really shouldn't be alarmed if it reappears after the baby reaches six months of age.

If it persists for a long time and shows no signs of going away, you might want to mention this to the pediatrician, as it could be signs of other problems or a predisposition to acne problems.

Ages two to six are typically acne free years. If you see signs of acne during these ages, you should consult your physician as this could indicate a hormonal imbalance in your child.

Teenage Acne (Teen Acne)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are several reasons behind acne production in the teenage years. One, which is also the most common cause of acne, is excessive production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It can also be a product of abnormal bacterial reproduction rates; this can be treated quite easily with the use of antibiotics. Teenagers are also known to have acne as a result of too quickly shedding dead skin cells, which can release toxic substances into the skin.

During puberty, excessive production of hormones occurs in boys due to significant hormonal changes. This elevation in sebum often results in skin lesions. It is often difficult to treat acne in teens because of the simple fact that finding the underlying problem is so difficult. If you've tried several different over the counter medications and treatments without adequate results then it's time to see a doctor and rule out other underlying factors, especially is the acne is severe and scarring.

Adult Acne

As a result of hormonal changes in the body, 5% of people who develop acne are infected in their adulthood while the vast majority of those remaining first experienced acne during their teen years. Acne can often worsen during pregnancy because of the massive hormonal changes that a woman's body experienced during this time. Oral contraceptives often pull double duty as acne treatments for women and factors such as alcohol, stress, and certain foods can intensify acne outbreaks.

Dermatologists typically prescribe topical medications for mild acne outbreaks. These topical medications generally work to cleanse the skin, remove bacteria, and slow the performance of the sebaceous glands. It is also advisable that you avoid sunlight whenever possible if you suffer from acne and that you avoid using oil-based cosmetics.