Skin · Ages 8–12
When your skin changes during puberty
Perhaps your skin has become shinier, or you have developed small red or white spots. They may be pimples. As your body develops during puberty, your skin may produce more oil than before. This can block pores, which are tiny openings in the skin. Pimples can appear on your face, chest or back. Some people get many, while others get only a few. Here you can learn what happens in your skin and what you can do if it bothers you.
Perhaps your skin has become shinier, or you have developed small red or white spots. They may be pimples. As your body develops during puberty, your skin may produce more oil than before. This can block pores, which are tiny openings in the skin. Pimples can appear on your face, chest or back. Some people get many, while others get only a few. Here you can learn what happens in your skin and what you can do if it bothers you.
01
Why might your skin become oilier?
Your skin contains small glands that produce oil. This oil helps protect your skin. During puberty, the glands may start producing more oil than before.
02
What is a pimple?
Your skin has tiny openings and glands that make oil. This oil is called sebum and helps protect your skin. During puberty, the glands may make more of it. If an opening becomes blocked, a spot or pimple can develop. Some spots are small, while others are red and tender. Having spots does not mean you are dirty or have done anything wrong. You may get them on your face, back or elsewhere. People get different numbers of spots. If someone makes hurtful comments about your skin, an adult can help with that too.
03
Where can pimples appear?
Pimples can appear on your face, but also on your chest, shoulders or back. It varies from person to person.
04
Wash your skin gently
Wash gently and avoid scrubbing your skin hard. Try leaving spots alone rather than squeezing or scratching them, as that can make your skin sore and leave marks. You do not need to try lots of strong products at once. Ask an adult to help you find something that suits your skin. A pharmacist can advise on mild spots. If they hurt, leave scars or bother you a lot, a doctor can consider treatment. It is fine to ask for help even when other people say spots are common.
05
When can you ask for help?
If your pimples hurt, become very numerous, cause sores or make you feel very upset, you can talk to an adult, school nurse or doctor about what might help.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.