what age is acne the worst

Acne is usually worst during the teenage years, especially around puberty. It often starts between ages 10 and 13 , and teenage acne can last 5 to 10 years , though some people keep getting breakouts into their 20s, 30s, or beyond.

Quick Scoop

The peak severity is often in the mid-to-late teen years , but there isn’t one exact age that applies to everyone. Boys tend to have more severe acne in the teen years, while women are more likely to have acne that continues into adulthood.

What the data suggests

• Most common age range: about 12 to 25.

• Typical onset: around 10 to 13 as puberty begins.

• Adult acne: around 20% of cases occur in adults.

• Severe teen acne: can happen in the teenage years and may include cystic acne or scarring.

Bottom line

If you’re asking, “What age is acne usually the worst?” the short answer is: the teenage years, especially mid-puberty , though adult acne is common too.

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