Body care

Acne and skin care

Pimples are caused by hormones making skin oilier, not by dirt. Gentle care helps, and a doctor can treat acne that is painful, scarring or upsetting.

5 minutes·For 10 to 13, 14 to 16

Why pimples happen

During puberty, hormones make the oil glands in your skin more active. Oil and dead skin cells can block tiny openings called pores.

Blocked pores can become blackheads, whiteheads or red, swollen pimples when bacteria and inflammation join in.

Most teenagers get some acne. It is not caused by being dirty, and it is not your fault.

Gentle everyday care

Wash your face twice a day and after sweating with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Scrubbing hard can make acne worse.

Choose products labelled non-comedogenic or oil-free, including sunscreen and moisturiser.

Keep hair clean, wash pillow covers often, and try not to rest your face on your hands or phone.

Hands off

Picking, squeezing or popping pimples pushes germs deeper and can leave dark marks or scars.

Dark marks after pimples are common on brown skin. They fade slowly over months, and sunscreen helps them fade.

When to see a doctor

If acne is painful, leaves scars, does not improve with gentle care, or makes you feel bad about yourself, see a doctor. A skin doctor is called a dermatologist.

Doctors have effective treatments. Do not use creams from a chemist, salon or online without a doctor's advice, especially creams with steroids, which can damage skin.

Key points

Acne is caused by hormones and oil, not by dirt.
Wash gently twice a day with a mild cleanser.
Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
A doctor can treat acne that is painful, scarring or upsetting.
Avoid creams with steroids unless a doctor prescribes them.

Myth or fact?

Myth

Acne is caused by dirt.

Fact

Acne is mainly caused by hormones and oil glands. Washing too much or too hard can make it worse.

Myth

Fairness creams fix pimples and dark marks.

Fact

Fairness creams do not treat acne, and some sold without checks contain steroids or other harmful ingredients that can damage skin. All skin tones are healthy and beautiful.

Myth

Applying toothpaste on a pimple dries it out.

Fact

Toothpaste can irritate and burn skin. Gentle care or treatment from a doctor works better.

When to get help

See a doctor if acne is painful, deep, leaving scars or not getting better.
If acne makes you feel very low or anxious, tell a trusted adult. Your feelings matter too.
Tele-MANAS on 14416 is free and open day and night if you are struggling with how you feel.

Get help now

Check what you know

1.What mainly causes acne in teenagers?

2.What happens if you squeeze pimples?

3.Your acne is painful and leaving marks. What is the best step?

Based on guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics, NHS, Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Awaiting review by Puberty Lab's clinical advisory board. General education, not medical advice for any one person.