Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which hormone is primarily responsible for the increased production of sebum during teenage years?

1. Estrogen

2. Testosterone

3. Androgen

4. Cortisol

The correct answer is: Androgen

The hormone primarily responsible for the increased production of sebum during teenage years is androgen. During puberty, there is a surge in androgens, which are a group of hormones that includes testosterone. These hormones stimulate sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, leading to oily skin, which is a common characteristic of adolescence. While testosterone itself is an androgen, the term 'androgen' encompasses all hormones in this category, making it a broader and more encompassing choice for this particular question. Estrogen does influence skin health and characteristics, but its role in sebum production is not as direct or pronounced as that of androgens. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, does not primarily increase sebum production but can affect skin conditions indirectly through stress responses. Therefore, androgens are the specific hormones responsible for the changes associated with increased sebum production in teenagers.