Acne is something many people deal with, especially as they grow up. In this article, we’ll learn about why acne happens, what causes it, and some cool facts about this skin condition.
Seeing a pimple can be upsetting. It’s normal to feel embarrassed and want to hide when you have a breakout. But remember, acne is a natural part of growing up, and for most people, it gets much better after the teenage years.
Pimples, also called blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, or zits, happen because of tiny glands in our skin called sebaceous glands. These glands make an oil called sebum that keeps our skin and hair smooth.
When you hit puberty, your body goes through hormonal changes that make these glands produce more sebum. As new skin cells grow, old ones should fall away, but sometimes they don’t. This can block pores, trapping extra sebum and creating a perfect spot for bacteria to grow.
When bacteria multiply in these blocked pores, your immune system sends blood and immune cells to fight them. This causes redness and swelling, which is what we see as a pimple.
It might be tempting to pop a pimple to make it go away faster, but this can actually make things worse. Squeezing pimples can push bacteria deeper into your skin, causing more redness and irritation. It’s usually better to let pimples heal on their own.
Did you know that some groups of people, like the Kitvan Islanders in Papua New Guinea and the Air Tribe in Paraguay, have little to no acne? Scientists think this might be because their diets don’t include refined sugars and processed foods.
Acne is a common part of life, especially during the teenage years. Knowing why acne happens can help you feel less embarrassed about it. Remember, it’s a natural thing, and for most people, it will get better over time.
What is another name for sebaceous glands? Share your answer in the comments below!
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more interesting information about skin health and wellness.
Observe and Record: Over the next week, keep a simple diary of your skin. Each day, look in the mirror and notice if you have any new pimples or if old ones are healing. Write down what you see and how your skin feels. At the end of the week, think about these questions:
Oil and Water Experiment: To understand how sebum works, try this simple experiment. You’ll need a small bowl of water, a few drops of cooking oil, and a spoon.
Healthy Skin Choices: Think about the foods you eat. Some foods might affect your skin more than others. With a parent or guardian, look at the labels on some of your favorite snacks. Do they have a lot of sugar or processed ingredients?
