Causes of Acne in Indian Teenagers

 

Why Do Teens Get Pimples?

If you’re a teenager, chances are you’ve battled acne at some point. They pop up at the most inconvenient times – just before a class presentation, a family function or when you’ve finally planned that photo-perfect day out. For many teens, pimples feel like a constant struggle. 

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and there are real scientific reasons behind why teenagers are more prone to acne.

Let’s explore the common causes of acne in Indian teenagers and understand why teens get pimples.

What Really Happens Under the Skin?

Pimples don’t just appear out of nowhere. They start deep inside your skin. Each tiny hair on your face is attached to an oil gland.1 These glands produce oil (called sebum), which normally keeps your skin soft and hydrated.2

But during the teenage years, several changes make these oil glands go into overdrive.2 When too much oil mixes with dead skin cells, it clogs the pores. This blockage creates the perfect environment for bacteria (called Cutibacterium acnes) to grow.2,3 The result? Redness, swelling, and those stubborn pimples that love to camp out on your face.3

In short, pimples are caused by1,3
• Excess oil production
• Bacterial growth
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics


Everyday Triggers That Make Pimples Worse

While hormones are the main reason pimples strike during the teenage years, your daily lifestyle and environment can make things better – or worse. Here are some of the biggest pimple triggers for Indian teens:

1. Diet and Junk Food

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Turns out, it’s partly true when it comes to acne. Research has shown that teenagers who consumed foods high in sugar and dairy products – like chocolates, soft drinks, fried snacks and milk products – were more likely to get pimples.4

Sugar spikes in the body can increase insulin, which may trigger more oil production. Similarly, dairy is thought to influence hormones that affect your skin.5 Of course, not every burger or chocolate bar will cause a breakout but eating them regularly could make your pimples worse.

2. Stress During Exams

Examinations don’t just test your brain – they test your skin too! Research shows that during stressful times, like exam season, your body releases stress hormones. These hormones can increase oil production and weaken your skin’s defence system.6 Additionally, late-night studying, irregular meals, and lack of sleep make your skin even more prone to breakouts.6

3. Cosmetics and Heavy Makeup

Many teenagers love experimenting with makeup or skincare products. But heavy, oily, or unsuitable cosmetics can block pores and worsen acne.7,8 Even skincare items that claim to be “natural” can cause irritation if they’re not right for your skin type.9

The trick is to use products labelled non-comedogenic (meaning they don’t clog pores) and to always remove makeup before bed.10 Sometimes, even pimple patches can also help in covering up sudden breakouts.11

4. Medicines and Treatments

Some medicines, like those containing lithium, barbiturates or steroids, can have pimples as a side effect.8 This does not mean you should stop taking your prescribed medication – but it is worth mentioning to your doctor if you notice sudden breakouts after starting something new.

5. Family History and Genetics

Acne can run in families. If one or both of your parents struggled with pimples as teens, chances are you might too.7 While you can’t change your genes, knowing this can help you take extra care of your skin early on.

6. Sunlight and Seasonal Changes

In India, seasonal changes are intense – hot summers, humid monsoons and chilly winters. Each shift can affect your skin differently. Strong sunlight can also aggravate acne.7


Why Teenagers in Particular?

So why is acne so common in teenagers compared to adults? The short answer: hormones.2

During puberty, the body releases more androgens (male hormones present in both boys and girls). These hormones increase the secretion of sebum, further triggering acne.2

More oil + Dead skin + Bacteria = Pimples

Combine this with stress from school, changing eating habits and lifestyle changes, and you’ve got a recipe for regular breakouts.


What It All Means

Pimples may feel like the enemy right now but remember – they are a normal part of growing up. The key is learning your triggers and taking charge of your skin.

That’s where Benzac Acne Care steps in. Trusted worldwide, it offers support when pimples show up – whether it is targeted spot treatment or quick relief with Benzac Power Patch.

For those moments when breakouts feel overwhelming, Benzac’s fast-acting care helps restore confidence. The right routine combined with healthy lifestyle habits can help you achieve clear skin.

So, the next time a breakout shows up, don’t panic. With the right care – and support from Benzac – you can face it with confidence.



References:

  1. Dabash D, Salahat H, Awawdeh S. et al. Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students. Sci Rep. 2024;14:4351. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6

  2. Jiao Q, Zhi L, You B, Wang G, Wu N, Jia Y. Skin homeostasis: mechanism and influencing factors. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024;23(5):1518-1526. doi:10.1111/jocd.16155

  3. Durai PC, Nair DG. Acne vulgaris and quality of life among young adults in South India. Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(1):33-40. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.147784

  4. Budamakuntla L, Parasramani S, Dhoot D, Deshmukh G, Barkate H. Acne in Indian population: an epidemiological study evaluating multiple factors. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2020;6(3):237-242.

  5. Okoro OE, Camera E, Flori E, Ottaviani M. Insulin and the sebaceous gland function. Front Physiol. 2023;14:1252972. doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1252972

  6. Sharma RK, Dogra S, Singh A, Kanwar AJ. Epidemiological patterns of acne vulgaris among adolescents in North India: A cross-sectional study and brief review of literature. Indian J Paediatr Dermatol. 2017;18:196-201.

  7. George RM, Sridharan R. Factors aggravating or precipitating acne in Indian adults: a hospital-based study of 110 cases. Indian J Dermatol. 2018;63(4):328-331. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_565_17

  8. Khan AT. Acne and its associations with psychosocial well-being among adolescents in Nellore (India). Master thesis. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences; 2018.

  9. Young PA, Gui H, Bae GH. Prevalence of contact allergens in natural skin care products from US commercial retailers. JAMA Dermatol. 2022;158(11):1323-1325. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.3180

  10. 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Accessed September 19, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop 

  11. Durairaj A, Elumalai Karthikeyan, Shanmugam A. Cystic acne treatment: a comprehensive review. Med Adv. 2023;1(4):318-329. doi:10.1002/med4.43

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