BY & FOR BOY MOMS EVERYWHERE

Let’s talk about boy acne. I was sort of prepared for the let down of teenage pimple face with my girls, but for some reason it just came as a surprise when my handsome little boy turned around and had pizza face.

Puberty hit us both like a mack truck. His body was changing, his voice was changing. And while he didn’t seem to notice as much as I did, he took note when small brown pumps started sprouting on his forehead and cheeks.

Experts say, acne usually starts to show up for boys around age 11 or 12, as puberty kicks in and their bodies start pumping out hormones like they’re on a factory assembly line. While acne can peak during pre-teen and teen years, it tends to clear up by the time they’re 20—but those years in the middle feel like pure torture. Of course, they think this will last forever. And while every boy mom or boy mum knows it won’t – thank God for modern medicine, am I right? – we have to wait it out with them.

And it is absolutely awful!

What’s Causing My Son’s Pimples?

First off, acne can be caused by many things—none of which are a result of not washing his face. (I learned that one the hard way after endless nagging). Here’s a list of the common culprits:

1. Hormones – Ah, puberty. My son’s body is suddenly producing more oil, which means his pores are on overdrive. If I had a dime for every time he’s blamed his face on “hormones,” I’d be rich. Hormonal changes increase oil production, leading to clogged pores, which can then lead to breakouts. Classic teenage stuff.
2. Diet – We’re all guilty of indulging in greasy snacks (hello, pizza and fries) but those foods might just be feeding the acne monster. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, studies show that foods with a high glycemic index (like sugar-laden cereals, chips, and fast food) can increase insulin and promote oil production. I’ve been trying to sneak more whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables into his diet, but he really won’t let me do much. After all, he thinks what he eats at school and at his friends’ houses and after practice doesn’t count. I think it’s all showing up on his face.
3. Stress – Stress can lead to an increase in cortisol levels, which can trigger more breakouts. Which means, my son’s “I’m not stressed” denial is doing him no favors. During big exam weeks and try outs, I definitely see the difference.
4. Genetics – It turns out that if I had acne as a teen (I did), there’s a higher chance of my kids getting it too-and not just the girls. Not much we can do about it now, except to actually control his environment so he’s not making a big situation worse.
5. Bacteria – Teenagers have a habit of touching their faces with dirty hands. A LOT. And guess where all the bacteria ends up? Yep, on their faces. One small habit—like resting your chin on your hand while texting—can make a difference in how pimples show up. He’s paying a high price for that otherwise simple bad habit.

Types of Acne: Not All Pimples Are Created Equal

Acne doesn’t come in just one form. Teen acne is like a pimple buffet. Here’s a breakdown of the types of teenage pimples to expect:

• Whiteheads – Stubborn guests at a party who won’t leave, these pimples suck. They are small, white bumps that form when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
• Blackheads – Blackheads are like whiteheads’ edgy cousins. They’re caused by clogged pores too, but the difference is that the pore is open, letting air in. The oxygen causes the oil to oxidize, turning it that signature black color.
• Pustules and Papules – These are the pimples that make you want to scream. Red, inflamed, and often filled with pus, they appear when the hair follicle gets infected by bacteria. They can be painful, which leads to a vicious cycle of picking them, causing even more pimples. Fun times.
• Cysts – The big guns. Cystic acne is deep under the skin and can be painful. It’s a nightmare to deal with, and no amount of spot treatment is going to fix it instantly. Cystic acne often requires professional treatment and can leave scars if not managed properly. If your kids pick at them and they rupture, they can make matters worse. If the sack of the cyst isn’t removed, it will likely come back.

Remedies That Worked for Us (So Far)

So what can you do about it? Here’s what we’ve learned, with a little help from doctors and skincare experts:

1. Dermatologist – If the acne is bad enough (think cysts or scarring), skip the drugstore shelves and head straight to a dermatologist. My son started seeing one after his acne got a little out of control. They recommended topical treatments like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, and also prescribed antibiotics for a while to get the infection under control. Because he’s also had some eczema before, we wanted to make sure that what the doc gave him wouldn’t interact poorly if he had an itchy flare up. If it’s really severe, oral medications like Accutane might be a route to explore, but that’s a conversation to have with your doctor. We didn’t go that route.
2. Over-the-Counter Solutions – For milder acne, we’ve had some success with over-the-counter options: face cleansers to salicylic acid to benzoyl peroxide treatments. While these don’t offer overnight results, consistency is key. Making him apply it every day (without fail) has been the hill I’ve had to climb.
3. Clean Up His Routine – One of the surprising discoveries was how much his routine affected his skin. Switching to non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens (those that won’t clog pores) helped a lot. I also reminded him (again) not to sleep with his phone or pillowcase dirty. It’s the little things.

Things You Don’t Think About

Finally, there are things you might not think about that could make acne worse. Here are a few surprising offenders:

1. Football (and Baseball) Helmets – If your kid plays contact sports, like my son in football, it’s important to remember that the helmet can trap sweat and oils against the skin, creating an environment perfect for acne. Make sure the helmet is cleaned regularly and encourage him to shower right after practice.
2. Hair Products – Gel, mousse, and even some shampoos can have oils that clog pores, especially along the forehead. It’s something he never thought about, but switching to a gentler shampoo made a difference.
3. Touching His Face – It sounds simple, but it’s hard for a teen to stop touching their face. Phones, hands, and even leaning against a desk can transfer dirt and oil to their skin. I’m constantly reminding him to wash his hands, his glasses, and all the screens on his devices.