You might have believed that once you put your teenage years behind you, you would be done dealing with acne. Then you reached your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond and discovered you’re still dealing with breakouts.
Adult acne is common and can be frustrating but there are ways to manage it effectively. Here’s what you need to know about preventing and treating it.
What causes adult acne?
"Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production, clogged pores and bacteria," said Nathan Papadeas, PA, a specialist in dermatology with Banner Health. Lifestyle factors like diet, stress and poor skin care products may also play a role.
Spending too much time in front of screens may contribute as well, since their light exposure can irritate your skin. Using certain hair or face care products can also lead to breakouts.
Why does acne stick around into adulthood?
“Acne can last after puberty for a lot of reasons,” Papadeas said. Hormonal changes, diet, lifestyle and environmental factors may all play a role. Family history may also play a role — people with close relatives who have acne may be genetically predisposed to it.
Throughout adulthood, changes in your hormone levels can increase oil production in your sebaceous (oil) glands and lead to breakouts. Stress also plays a major role since it triggers your body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to acne and other skin issues.
“Stress acne often shows up on the jawline or back and tends to be cystic, which is tougher to treat,” Papadeas said. Cystic acne is a severe type of acne that develops in the deeper layers of your skin.
You may find that adult acne varies depending on your age.
- In your 20s: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or from birth control pills are common contributors. “Your skin can be sensitive to these triggers. Stress and lifestyle factors can also play a role,” Papadeas said. Heavy makeup use can also clog pores and lead to acne.
- In your 30s and 40s: Acne may become less frequent but it may still occur, especially around the jawline or chin. Hormonal changes can still contribute to acne. Pregnancy and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common triggers.
- In your 50s and beyond: Hormonal shifts from perimenopause and menopause can bring on acne outbreaks. Plus your skin changes as you get older and your cells don’t turn over as quickly. You may need specific treatments to manage moisture and oil glands and prevent scarring in aging skin.
How to treat and manage adult acne
The good news is there are plenty of ways to tackle adult acne, whether you prefer home remedies or dermatologist treatments.
Skin care and lifestyle tips
It may help to:
- Switch to oil free, non-comedogenic products to prevent clogged pores.
- Wash your face gently and use mild exfoliants to remove dead skin cells without irritating your skin.
- Avoid picking at breakouts to prevent scarring and inflammation.
- Choose a balanced diet and, if your acne is persistent, try cutting back on dairy products.
- Manage stress with exercise, quality sleep or relaxation techniques.
Medical treatments
- Prescription topicals like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics can clear breakouts. These treatments may dry your skin or make it sun-sensitive, so be sure you use a good SPF moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Oral medications, like birth control pills, may help balance hormones for acne in women.
- Therapy with medications like spironolactone may also work for hormone-driven acne.
Professional dermatology treatments
Dermatologists offer advanced options like:
- Blue light therapy, which reduces bacteria and inflammation
- Chemical peels to unclog hair follicles and remove dead skin cells
- Laser treatments to target stubborn acne directly
However, these treatments may be expensive and may not be covered by your health insurance plan.
Whatever treatment options you try, be patient. “Acne treatments take time, so stick with your plan. It can take several weeks before you see results," Papadeas said. You’re treating the acne below the skin’s surface that would appear in a month or two, not the blemishes you can see today.
When should you see a health care provider?
"See a health care provider if over-the-counter (OTC) treatments don't work, if your acne is severe or causing scarring or if it's affecting your mental health," Papadeas said. “They can prescribe stronger treatments and help prevent further issues.”
Persistent acne combined with symptoms like sudden weight gain may be linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and should be evaluated by a health care provider.
Acne can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you think that could be the case, talk to your health care provider about alternative options or ways you can manage the acne.
The bottom line
Managing adult acne takes time but with the right combination of treatments, lifestyle changes and professional care, you should see clear skin again.
If you're struggling with adult acne, talk to your health care provider or an expert with Banner Health. Our dermatology providers can help you choose the treatment options that are right for you.
