Although acne is most common in teens, it can affect people of all ages, including babies, young children, and adults. In fact, most children and adults between the agesof 11 and 30 will experience acne at some point in their life.
Acne is a disorder of hair follicles (the area around the base of each hair) and sebaceous glands (tiny glands of the skin that releases oil into the hair follicles). It occurs when the pores of the skin get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that are found on the skin.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of acne is still unknown. However,it is believed that many factors can contribute to or cause acne in kids. Here we’ll take a look at 5 common factors that cause or contribute to acne in children.
1.Hormones
According to Healthy Children hormonal stimulation of the sebaceous glands is initial cause of acne.
The earliest onset of acne has been linked to the start of puberty at younger ages, so it is not uncommon for children 9 to 11 years old to develop the skin condition. Rising levels of hormones during puberty make the skin and hair oily, contributing to clogged pores and acne.
2.Genes
A child is more likely to develop acne if their parents or siblings have a history of acne. This is because the genes of the child may influence the way their body responds to the hormonal changes and production of sebum (an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands to lubricate skin and hair) during the onset of puberty.
For instance, a child may be genetically predisposed to produce more sebum than others, leading to the development of acne. In addition, genes may also affect how effective a child’s immune system is in warding off the acne-promoting bacteriaPropionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).
3.Environment
Studies have shown that certain environmental factors may also contribute to the development of inflammatory acne in children. For instance, if you live in an area with poor air quality, things like dust and pollution can irritate your child’s skin and cause acne to develop.
In addition, high levels of moisture in the air and sweating may also clog the pores and cause acne.
4.Cosmetic Products
If your child has acne-prone skin and uses makeup or other cosmetic products that are comedogenic (have potentially pore-clogging ingredients), they are more likely to develop acne than other children.
Be sure to check the label before buying cosmetic products like makeup, hairspray, and others for your child.
5.Medications
Certain medications that contain bromides or iodides, like lithium, corticosteroids, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, etc. can cause child acne.
If your child is taking any of the above-mentioned drugs or other drugs that contain iodides or bromide, talk to their cosmetic dermatology expert, pediatrician, or other healthcare providers about possible alternatives.
Cosmetic Dermatologist Near You in Miami, FL
If your child is having acne breakouts and you are in search of an expert cosmetic dermatologist that specialized in pediatric dermatology, see our board-certified cosmetic dermatologists at Children’s Skin Center Pediatric and Adult Dermatology.
Our cosmetic dermatology experts and certified physician assistants treat the cosmetic problems of both children and adults with a wide range of advanced, affordable treatments. They may also educate you on the prevention of acne in your children.
Please call or text us today at (305) 669-6555 to set up a private consultation with one of our expert dermatologists.
