You might have thought you left behind in your teenage years, but here it is again — showing up just when you thought your skin was in the clear. If you’re struggling with adult acne, you’re not alone. Here are some stats:

• 50% of women in their 20s have acne
• 33% of women in their 30s have acne
• 25% of women in their 40s have acne
• 12% of men in their 40s have acne

As you can see, adult acne is more common than you think. Even though you’re older and wiser, acne is still just as frustrating as it was in high school. 

So, what’s causing these unwelcome breakouts? 

1. Hormonal changes

Hormones are one of the biggest players when it comes to acne. Fluctuations in estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones can trigger breakouts. Hormone-related acne is prevalent in women, as hormone levels shift violently because of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum changes, and menopause. 

2. Stress

Our fast-paced modern lives put many under a cloud of chronic stress. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, triggering oil production and inflammation and leading to breakouts. If you notice that your skin stresses out when you do, you can bet it’s a stress hormone issue. 

3. Skincare and makeup products

These days, most skincare and makeup products are non-comedogenic and pose much less of a threat to your skin, but there are still some you should avoid. 

Always check the labels on your products and avoid anything that’s not non-comedogenic or contains harsh, irritating ingredients. 

4. Diet and lifestyle

Your diet doesn’t directly cause acne but can contribute to it. High-glycemic foods (think sugary snacks, white bread, and processed foods) and dairy have been linked to acne in some individuals. 

Keep a food and breakout diary and see if there’s any correlation between your meals and your skin health. 

5. Underlying medical conditions

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal imbalances can lead to adult acne. If your acne is severe and is accompanied by other symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or weight changes, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. 

6. Family history

Sometimes, acne is written into your DNA. Acne can run in families and make you more likely to get breakouts and keep getting them well into adulthood. 

Treating and managing adult acne

The good news about adult acne is that there are many ways to treat and manage it. You can start by consulting with one of our experts. 

We thoroughly evaluate your skin and discuss the likely culprits. Then, we walk you through your best next steps. Usually, acne treatment starts with strengthening your habits and establishing a solid skincare routine. 

Certain lifestyle changes can go a long way, as well. We encourage all our acne-prone patients to:

• Manage stress
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid picking and popping pimples

We also offer a variety of advanced treatments, including:

• Medication, such as Accutane®, oral antibiotics, and Retin-A®
• Topical ointments, such as salicylic acid and clindamycin
• Chemical peels to remove the top layer of your skin
• Hormonal birth control

There’s no time to waste. If you’re an adult dealing with acne, or it has become painful or left scars behind, it’s time to see one of our dermatologists. We can provide a personalized treatment option that targets the root cause of your breakouts and helps you live out the rest of your adulthood with clearer, healthier skin.