How does puberty affect skin conditions? 

Puberty is a period of intense biological transformation that significantly impacts the health and appearance of the skin. While puberty is most commonly associated with the onset of acne, the hormonal shifts that occur during these years also have a profound effect on chronic conditions like atopic eczema and psoriasis. For some, the surge in hormones leads to a long-awaited clearance of childhood eczema, while for others, it can trigger the first appearance of psoriasis or worsen existing inflammation. In the UK, managing skin during the teenage years requires a specialized approach that accounts for increased oil production, physical growth, and the significant psychological impact of skin changes during adolescence. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The role of androgens and increased sebum (oil) production. 

• Why some children grow out of eczema during puberty. 

• The link between hormonal surges and new-onset psoriasis. 

• Managing the double burden of acne and eczema. 

• The impact of the menstrual cycle on skin flares. 

• Psychological wellbeing and body image during teenage skin changes. 

1. The role of hormones and sebum 

During puberty, the body increases its production of androgens (sex hormones). These hormones signal the sebaceous glands in the skin to enlarge and produce more sebum (natural oil). 

• The Benefit for Eczema: For many children who have struggled with the leaky, dry skin of atopic eczema, this increase in natural oil can be a turning point. The extra sebum helps to naturally bolster the skin barrier, leading many teenagers to find that their eczema significantly improves or even disappears as they enter their teens. 

• The Challenge for Psoriasis: Conversely, hormonal shifts are a known trigger for psoriasis. It is very common for the first signs of plaque psoriasis to appear during puberty. The inflammatory pathways that drive psoriasis are sensitive to the hormonal storm of adolescence, which can lead to more aggressive flares. 

2. The Double Burden: Acne and Eczema 

For some teenagers, puberty brings the difficult combination of childhood eczema and new-onset acne. This creates a clinical challenge because the treatments for these two conditions often work against each other. 

• The Conflict: Acne treatments (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) are designed to dry out the skin and reduce oil. However, these can be devastating for eczema-prone skin, leading to severe irritation and flares. 

• The Strategy: UK dermatologists often recommend zone-treating, using acne products only on oily areas (like the T-zone) while continuing to use heavy emollients on the drier, eczema-prone areas of the face and neck. 

3. The impact of the menstrual cycle 

For adolescent girls, the monthly fluctuation of oestrogen and progesterone can create a predictable cycle of skin flares. 

• Pre-menstrual Flares: Many young women notice that their eczema or psoriasis becomes significantly itchier or more inflamed in the week before their period starts. This is due to a drop in oestrogen, which can decrease the skin’s ability to retain moisture. 

• Hormonal Sensitivity: During this time, the skin may be more reactive to external triggers like soaps or stress, requiring a more intensive emollient routine during the high-risk days of the month. 

4. Physical growth and skin stretching 

The rapid growth spurts associated with puberty can also physically impact the skin. 

• Stretching and Irritation: As the body grows quickly, the skin must expand. In areas where psoriasis is present, this stretching can lead to microscopic tears and the Koebner Phenomenon, where new plaques form in areas of skin tension or injury. 

• Stretch Marks: It is common for teenagers to develop stretch marks (striae). For those using long-term topical steroids for eczema, the skin may already be slightly thinned, making them more susceptible to these marks. 

5. Psychological wellbeing and self-image 

Puberty is a time of heightened self-consciousness. The presence of a visible skin condition during these years can have a deep impact on a teenager’s mental health. 

• Social Anxiety: Visible flares on the face or hands can lead to school avoidance or social withdrawal. 

• The Stress Cycle: The stress of worrying about skin appearance can trigger a cortisol spike, which in turn causes a physical flare. This stress-skin cycle is a major focus of teenage dermatology in the UK. 

Conclusion 

Puberty is a wildcard for skin conditions. While the increase in natural oils provides a welcome relief for many eczema sufferers, the hormonal volatility of these years can also act as a catalyst for psoriasis and acne. Navigating this period requires patience and a flexible treatment plan that can adapt to the changing needs of the skin. If your teenager is struggling with their skin during puberty, it is essential to involve them in the decision-making process. Providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their own skin can build the confidence and resilience they need to move through adolescence with healthy, stable skin. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block) 

This article examines the clinical impact of puberty on chronic skin conditions. It is written by the MyPatientAdvice Medical Writing/Research Team and reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician with experience in adolescent health and dermatology. All guidance is strictly aligned with the standards provided by the NHS and the British Association of Dermatologists for 2026.