Puberty is the time at which reproductive organs become functionally active. In both males and females, it is accompanied by the development of the secondary sexual characteristics including the growth of pubic hair and axillary hair and facial hair in boys. These changes are due to a large increase in the secretion of gonadal sex hormones. Androgens have a powerful effect on the hair follicle stimulating the sebaceous gland that has lain dormant since shortly after birth. This leads to an increased production of sebum causing teenage skin and hair to be greasier than prior to puberty. For some, this change in the sebaceous gland functioning will mean the appearance of acne. Most teenagers experience comedones, others will experience more extreme acne with pustule or even nodule formation.
Acne discusses acne in greater depth. The apocrine glands are also stimulated leading to the experience of body odour for the first time.
Teenage years are also a time when young adults start to take a real interest in their appearance and is a good time to encourage healthy skin behaviour, including protection from UV radiation (see
Protecting the skin and preventing breakdown).
