Adult Acne

Adult acne affects 25% of all men and 50% of women at some time in their adult lives. People can develop unpleasant acne or have an acne recurrence in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. It can be difficult to cope with no matter your age, and can cause depression and social anxiety in an adult the same way it can in a teen. Click here to learn about adult acne treatments.

Hormonal fluctuations: Experts don't know why, but oil glands are more sensitive to hormonal shifts during your 20s and 30s. These fluctuations are the most common cause of adult acne.

Blemish buster: Birth control pills can help keep hormones steady, and may be enough to help reduce blemishes. For stubborn breakouts that don't respond to the pill alone, topical creams or gels that contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), such as Retin-A, can also unclog pores in mild to moderate cases. For more severe cases, topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, or oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, work to reduce inflammation. (If you're pregnant, it's not safe to use these medications.) When other treatments have failed, your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin). It is effective, but carries some serious risks. Because Accutane can cause severe birth defects, you'll be required to use two types of contraceptives while taking it. You have options about adult skin care products.

Stress: One of the biggest acne triggers for women in their 30s is stress. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which spurs the production of hormones that over stimulate oil glands. There is a cycle: You're under pressure, which triggers acne, which then makes you feel more stressed.

What causes adult acne
It is unclear what the main difference between teen acne and adult acne, we explore what the causes are further on the next page

Blemish buster: Try some basic stress-relief techniques. Make sure you're eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. If you keep up these healthy habits for a month or two and still don't see any results, talk to a dermatologist about a prescription acne remedy.

Daily Grooming Products: Nature gave us 600 oil glands per cubic centimeter on our noses, 400 on our cheeks, and 20 on our arms. Yet we use more products on our faces than any other body part, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts.

Blemish buster: Use only noncomedogenic (non-acne-causing) cosmetics, and make sure your moisturizer is oil-free. And try to avoid touching your face or resting your chin on your hands -- doing so can add dirt and bacteria to the areas most inflamed by acne and may further clog pores. We think there are some real treatment solutions.

Although the causes are unknown, it is thought that acne may sometimes have hormonal roots. The appropriate pimple treatment may involve getting your hormones in check which requires a trip to your doctor. Several different treatments are available over the counter to help mild to moderate symptoms. Your pharmacist can advise on which would suit you best.

Whichever treatment you use, try to persevere for at least two or three months. It can take time to produce a noticeable effect. Most people start to notice an improvement after using a product for six to eight weeks. Treatment is usually needed for at least six months before stopping to see whether symptoms return.

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