During puberty, there’s a lot of a changes going on inside and outside of your body. This includes the skin. Not everyone knows that the skin is in fact the largest organ in the body and one of the most important as of course it covers the entire body.

Your skin has many vital functions. These include:

• Protecting your body against infection
• Waterproofing your body
• Controlling body temperature
• Warning you of damage through the sense of pain
• Protecting your tissues from damage by UV light, and
• Producing Vitamin D

Your skin has several different layers. The outermost layer is called the epidermis. Underneath that is the dermis, and then finally there’s a layer of fat. Throughout these layers are sweat glands, hair follicles and their roots and oil-producing glands that lubricate your skin, keeping it soft and waterproof.

During puberty, the oil glands become more active which may lead to acne. You may also notice a darkening of skin colour in some parts of the body and body hair will increase and get thicker.

Changes to your skin as you grow

During puberty your skin will thicken and may no longer feel as soft. You may notice that you sweat more and that your sweat smells stronger. Your skin will also be oilier, especially on the face and back. These changes are caused by the hormones circulating in your blood. Pimples (black heads and white heads) are caused by  blockages in the oil producing glands, while acne is the bacterial infection that may follow.  In girls pimples may be more likely to appear at certain times of her menstrual cycle.

Looking after your skin

It is important to look after your skin during puberty because of the many changes happening to you. You’ll find that generally your skin needs more cleaning and care. It’s best to shower regularly and use a deodorant or anti-perspirant.

If pimples are becoming a problem try a gentle soap or cleanser on your face that has been specially formulated for teenage skin, for example, CLEAN & CLEAR®.