This post explains the science of what's going on beneath the surface, why it's completely normal, and how a gentle routine can help support the skin through it.
The hormonal trigger: androgens and sebum production
As kids enter puberty, the body increases production of androgens (a group of hormones that includes testosterone), which occurs in both boys and girls. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands — small glands attached to hair follicles all over the face and body — to produce more sebum, the skin's natural oil.
This is a universal part of puberty, not a sign of poor hygiene or diet. Some tweens will notice the change earlier or more intensely than others, depending on genetics and individual hormone levels, but nearly every child going through puberty experiences some increase in oil production.
Why more oil leads to congestion and breakouts
Sebum itself isn't a problem — in normal amounts, it helps keep skin supple and protected. But when oil production increases, a few things can happen:
• Excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and can block pores, leading to congestion (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Blocked pores create an environment where naturally occurring skin bacteria can multiply, which can lead to redness and occasional pimples
• Increased oil can make skin look shinier, particularly through the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), where oil glands are most concentrated
This is why the T-zone is typically the first (and most persistent) area where tweens notice change.
Why over-cleaning or harsh products can make it worse
A common but understandable instinct when skin gets oilier is to wash more often or reach for stronger, stripping products. Unfortunately, this often backfires. When the skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can respond by producing even more sebum to compensate — a cycle that can leave skin oilier and more irritated than before.
This is part of why alcohol-based toners and harsh, foaming cleansers aren't recommended for tween skin: they solve the oil problem in the short term but can worsen it over time.
How long do these changes typically last?
Hormonal skin changes generally continue throughout puberty and adolescence, which can span several years. For most people, oil production gradually stabilises by late adolescence or early adulthood as hormone levels level out. In the meantime, a consistent, gentle routine can help manage oil and congestion day to day, even though the underlying hormonal changes are a normal, temporary stage of development.
Genetics and individual variation
Not every tween experiences the same degree of oiliness or congestion, even at the same age and stage of puberty. Genetics play a significant role in how active the sebaceous glands are and how sensitive an individual's skin is to hormonal fluctuations — which is part of why siblings can go through puberty at similar ages but have quite different skin experiences. Family history of acne or oily skin can be a useful indicator of what to expect, though it's not a guarantee.
Environmental factors like humidity, sun exposure and even friction from sports equipment (helmets, chin straps) can also influence oil production and congestion in specific areas, on top of the underlying hormonal drivers.
When to see a GP or dermatologist
Most tween skin changes are mild and manageable at home with a gentle routine. It's worth checking in with a GP or dermatologist if your child experiences:
• Painful, deep or cystic breakouts
• Widespread acne covering large areas of the face, chest or back
• Breakouts that are affecting their confidence or wellbeing significantly
• No improvement after several months of a consistent, gentle routine
A dermatologist can advise on medically appropriate treatment options if needed, separate from everyday skincare.
It's worth remembering that occasional pimples and mild congestion are an expected, normal part of puberty for the vast majority of tweens, not a medical issue requiring intervention. Most of the time, the role of a parent is simply to support good hygiene habits and reassure their child that what they're experiencing is completely typical, rather than to treat it as a problem to be urgently solved.
Dewy by Trilogy's Routine for Tween Skin
Dewy by Trilogy was developed specifically to support tweens through this hormonal stage, without relying on harsh actives that can disrupt the skin's balance.
The Fresh Face Gel Cleanser gently removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin, helping avoid the over-cleaning cycle that can worsen oiliness. The alcohol-free Clear Up Toner helps balance and condition skin using cactus water and Mānuka leaf extract, without the drying effects of alcohol. The Spotless Serum contains rose myrtle, which helps regulate sebum production, alongside Mānuka leaf extract to help keep pimples and redness in check. Finally, Dream Cream provides lightweight hydration with a microalgae-derived bioactive that supports the skin's microbiome and barrier, plus a zinc-enriched hyaluronic acid complex to visibly calm redness and reactive skin — helping the whole routine work with the skin's natural processes rather than against them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oily skin in tweens caused by diet or poor hygiene?
No — the primary driver is hormonal (increased androgen levels during puberty), which increases sebum production regardless of diet or how often a child washes their face.
Will my tween's oily skin get better on its own?
For most people, oil production gradually stabilises as hormone levels even out through adolescence, though this can take several years. A gentle routine can help manage it in the meantime.
Should my tween wash their face more often if it's oily?
No — twice a day (morning and evening) is the recommended frequency. Washing more often can strip the skin and trigger even more oil production.
Is it normal for breakouts to appear only around certain times, like before school exams or big events?
Yes — stress can influence hormone levels and may temporarily worsen breakouts in some tweens, though the underlying cause remains hormonal skin changes typical of puberty.
Are boys or girls more likely to experience oily skin during puberty?
Both experience increased oil production due to androgens, which rise in both sexes during puberty, though the timing and intensity can vary by individual.
Could my tween's oily skin be a sign of a medical condition?
In the vast majority of cases, it's simply a normal part of puberty. If breakouts are severe, painful or not improving with a gentle routine, it's worth discussing with a GP or dermatologist to rule out other causes.
Can skincare products actually reduce oiliness, or just manage it?
Gentle, targeted ingredients (like rose myrtle) can help support the skin's natural oil balance and improve clarity, but the underlying hormonal process driving oil production is a normal part of development that skincare can support, not stop.
