Most of us will experience acne during our teenage years. The increase in certain hormones during adolescence is a
major factor in the development of teenage acne. "Male" hormones, called androgens, cause an increase in oil (called
sebum) production in the pores of the skin, especially on the face, chest and back. Both males and females produce
androgens, but males produce higher levels of this "male" hormone. This is the reason that acne tends to be more
severe in teenage males than females. Women may notice that their acne gets worse right before their period‐‐‐this
is because of the hormones which produce the menstrual cycle. Both pre‐teens and adults can get acne, too. Acne is
very common in adult women, even if they didn't have problem skin during their teenage years.