What is a common trigger for acne exacerbation in adolescents?

Increased stress levels are a common trigger for acne exacerbation in adolescents. Stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations in the body, particularly an increase in androgens. These hormones stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, leading to increased sebum production. When sebaceous glands are overactive, pores can become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, resulting in the formation of acne.

Adolescence is a period marked by significant emotional and physical changes, often associated with stress due to academic pressures, social dynamics, and self-image concerns. Therefore, it plays a substantial role in not only the emergence of acne but also in its worsening during this developmental stage.

While factors like increased sugar intake, exposure to sunlight, and changes in sleeping patterns may have some influence on skin health, they are not as directly connected to the pathophysiology of acne as stress-induced hormonal changes. Stress is broadly recognized in clinical practice and research as a key factor in the exacerbation of acne in adolescents, making it an important consideration for management and treatment strategies.