Why Does My Teenager Have So Much Acne?

If your teenager’s acne feels severe, persistent, or “out of control,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions parents ask when acne goes beyond the occasional breakout and starts affecting confidence, mood, and daily life.

While hormones play a role, teen acne is rarely caused by just one thing — and that’s why it often doesn’t respond to surface-level treatments alone. You might have tried every product, treatment, or diet trend, but the breakouts keep coming back. The truth is, acne begins inside the body, where gut health, hormones, blood sugars and diet all play a role.

Most parents I talk to in clinic feel really overwhelmed. They know their teen’s diet probably plays a role in their skin, but when your teen eats some fruit and veg alongside a fairly standard Aussie diet, it’s hard to know what to tweak—or even where to start.

I totally get it. I struggled with acne for 20 years.

Is teenage acne normal?

Yes — acne is common during adolescence. But constant, inflamed, painful, or worsening acne is not something teens should just “wait out.”

Teen acne becomes more severe when:

• Breakouts are widespread or cystic

• Acne doesn’t improve after months or years

• It affects self-esteem or mental health

• Topical treatments haven’t worked

These are signs there may be internal drivers involved.

Why some teenagers get much worse acne than others

1. Hormonal changes (but not just “puberty”)

During adolescence, rising androgens increase oil (sebum) production. In some teens, this oil:

• Is thicker and more inflammatory

• Blocks pores more easily

• Triggers stronger immune responses

Hormones set the stage — but they don’t act alone.

2. Blood sugar imbalance & insulin spikes

Teenagers are especially sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations (& in fact, puberty induces a state of temporary insulin resistance).

High intakes of:

• Refined carbohydrates

• Sugary snacks and drinks

• Skipped meals

can increase insulin and IGF-1, which stimulates oil production and worsens acne.

3. Gut health & inflammation

The gut and skin are closely connected via something we call the gut-skin axis.

In teens with acne, we often see:

• Digestive symptoms (bloating, constipation, reflux)

• Frequent illness or low immunity

• A history of antibiotics or gut disruption

• Parasites, H.Pylori, dysbiosis & overgrowths on stool tests

Inflammation in the gut can show up on the skin.

4. Nutrient deficiencies

Growing teenagers have high nutrient needs.

Low levels of nutrients such as:

• Zinc

• Iron

• Omega-3 fats

• Vitamin A

can impair skin healing and increase inflammation — even when diet looks “okay” on the surface.

5. Stress & the nervous system

School pressure, social stress, exams, and poor sleep all affect:

• Hormones

• Blood sugar regulation

• Inflammation

Stress-driven acne is very real, especially in high-achieving or sensitive teens.

What actually helps teenage acne?

There is no single “number one treatment” for teen acne — because acne isn’t one single condition.

A whole-body approach focuses on:

• Supporting hormone balance through food

• Stabilising blood sugar

• Reducing gut inflammation

• Correcting nutrient gaps

• Supporting skin healing from the inside out

This works alongside appropriate medical or dermatological care when needed.

How I support teenagers with acne using the Inside-Out Approach

1️⃣ 1:1 Teen Acne Nutrition Consults

Ideal if your teen:

• Has moderate to severe acne

• Has tried “everything” already (like dermatologist appointments, quitting dairy)

• Needs personalised, tailored support

• Has gut symptoms, fatigue, or low iron alongside acne

• Is a fussy or restricted eater

We look at root causes, not restriction, and create a realistic plan that fits teenage life.

👉 Book a Teen Acne Nutrition Consultation

2️⃣ Inside-Out Teen Acne Programme

Perfect if you & your teen:

• Want a clear, structured plan

• Prefers learning at their own pace

• Needs education + practical steps

• Wants to feel confident & empowered with food choices

This program teaches teens & parents why acne happens and how to support their skin from the inside out — without extreme diets or overwhelm. Purchase now for instant access to over 3+ hours of video lessons + a 14-Day Meal Plan.

👉 Learn more about the Inside-Out Teen Acne Programme

3️⃣ Inside-Out Teen Acne eBook

A great starting point if you:

• Want clear, evidence-based guidance right now

• Are early in your teen acne journey

• Want to understand why acne is happening before committing to deeper support

This is a gentle, affordable entry point that empowers both parents and teens with knowledge — and often helps families decide what support is needed next.

👉 Download the Inside-Out Teen Acne eBook

You don’t have to accept “it’s just hormones”

As an accredited Nutritionist in Sydney, I specialise in natural acne support for teenagers, using a root-cause, gut health approach to balance hormones and calm inflammation

👉 Book An Initial Consultation
📘 Explore the Inside-Out Teen Acne Programme
💬 Or grab the Inside-Out Teen Acne Ebook