The Nemours children's health network estimates that eight out of 10 teenagers get acne. Both boys and girls are susceptible to this skin condition, which is characterized by pimple outbreaks, but girls have some added causes. These acne triggers can even stick with girls through adulthood or disappear for a while and return at menopause.

Oily Skin

Excess oil on the skin can cause acne for girls, according to Nemours. Sebaceous glands in the skin normally produce oil, but they can sometimes make too much. It blocks the hair follicles, which are also called pores, which can lead to pimple formation.

Dead Skin Cells

It is normal for skin cells to die regularly on human skin. Sometimes the cells are not shed properly and they combine with oil to clog the hair follicles, triggering acne outbreaks, Nemours explains. Bacteria may get trapped in the area, which will worsen the irritation.

Make-Up

Girls often wear make-up, and some products have an oil base. It can block hair follicles and make it easier for them to get clogged. This is especially common if the girl does not thoroughly remove the make-up in the evening before going to sleep. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends non-comedogenic cosmetics because they are formulated to help avoid setting up the proper conditions for acne.

Vigorous Scrubbing

Acne is often erroneously attributed to poor personal hygiene. Many girls have elaborate skin care rituals. They scrub their faces and apply a variety of washes, masks, astringents and lotions. This can actually worsen acne. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing the face no more than two times a day and refraining from using any products other than mild cleansers and acne treatments. Anything else can irritate the skin and cause a problem.

Hormones

Girls oftgen get acne during adolescence because of their rising hormone levels, the AAD explains. The hormones trigger excess oil production which gives the youngster a greater tendency toward clogged pores. As girls get older, they may notice their acne outbreaks are linked to their menstrual cycle because of monthly hormonal fluctuations. Menopause can also lead to acne because of dropping estrogen levels, Erin Courtenay of Everyday Health explains.

Diet

Girls who like to snack on starchy foods like potato chips, bread and bagels often have a greater tendency for developing acne. Studies have linked these items to pimple outbreaks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some girls avoid chocolate and greasy foods because they have a reputation as acne causers, but the Mayo Clinic states there is no scientific evidence to prove this assertion.