What Are the Effects of the Hormonal Changes of Puberty on the Skin, Body and Hair?

Puberty begins around age 8 for girls and age 10 for boys. During this time, the body begins producing certain hormones and growth spurts. This can be a challenging time for adolescents, as there are many changes occurring in the body at once.

Identification

• In girls, puberty is the start of the menstrual period, the development of breasts, and the increase of fat development around the hips, buttocks, breasts and thighs. The first sign of puberty in boys is the enlargement of the testicles and growth of pubic hair. Boys continue to grow and mature for 6 or 7 years from the onset of puberty.

Skin

• Puberty often brings acne and pimples along with it. The hormones that the body produces during this time cause the glands to make extra sebum (a natural oil). This oil may block the pores of the skin and cause acne and pimples.

Body

• During puberty, the hormones begin to work on different areas of the body. In boys, these hormones signal the production of sperm and testosterone. In girls, FSH and LH hormones work on the ovaries, and stimulate them to produce estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that will prepare a girl's body for future pregnancy.

Hair

• Puberty will bring the growth of pubic and underarm hair in boys and girls. This hair starts out very fine and will get thicker and darker as the child ages. Hair may also become greasier, due to the changing hormones in the body.

Considerations

• Puberty is a time when many children may have questions about their changing bodies. It is important to keep an open line of communication with your child and consult your family doctor if you have any questions or concerns.