Puberty is the time period during the preteen and teenage years when children's bodies begin to mature. According to Kids Health, the human body grows faster during puberty than any other time--except for infancy. Puberty varies from person to person with some individuals starting earlier and some later than others. The increase of hormones in the body affects the skin, body and hair. Signs of puberty may continue well into the early 20s.
Body
Girls will begin to see breast growth during puberty. Breasts may grow unevenly, with one breast larger than another for up to six months at a time. Breasts are tender and sensitive during the growth period--the tenderness stops once the breasts are more fully developed. Menstruation also starts for girls. The average age a girl gets her first period is 2 1/2 years after first developing breasts. Most girls begin menstruation between the ages of 12 and 13. Still many girls can start as early as 9 and as late as 15 years old.
Both boys and girls will begin to perspire more often. The sweat glands produce more sweat as well as more odor. Puberty is the ideal time to begin wearing deodorant.
Boys physically begin puberty between the ages of 9 and 13--the first sign being a sudden spurt in height. Boys will also experience growth of the penis and testicles. It is common for one testicle to be larger than another. Boys gain muscle mass and their voice becomes deeper, often referred to as "voice breaking."
Hair
For girls, pubic hair will begin to grow, many times before the development of breasts. Girls' underarm hair growth often happens at the end of puberty. Boys experience pubic hair growth around the age of 10. Facial hair growth begins in the later teen years for boys. Increased oil or sebum production requires both girls and boys to wash their hair more often.
Skin
Due to the fluctuation of hormones in the body, the skin's oil glands will produce excessive amounts of sebum. The sebum may cause outbreaks of pimples as well as acne on the face and back. A facial cleansing regimen should ideally be started. Acne and skin outbreaks can be embarrassing during puberty; use a variety of over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide to treat the condition.
