Acne doesn’t just affect teenagers. In my practice as a Temple dermatologist, I often see adult patients who have acne, some for the first time.
Adult acne is more common than many people realize. About 80% of Americans experience acne at some point in their lives. Hormones, stress, and lifestyle factors can all cause acne flare-ups in people over age 25.
I frequently hear from patients who tell me their adult acne is distressing and frustrating, so I want to tell everyone what I tell them: You don’t have to tolerate it.
Adult acne can be treated successfully, especially when you know the cause. In this blog, I’ll explain the common causes of adult acne and share some effective treatments.
What is acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can cause lesions, or bumps, that are red, swollen, irritated, and sometimes painful.
There are different types of acne in adults, including:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Pustules (or pimples): bumps filled with pus
- Papules: bumps without pus
- Cysts: pus-filled bumps under the skin
- Nodules: hard bumps under the skin without pus
Acne isn’t limited to the face. It can also show up on the neck, shoulders, chest, and back.
Hidden causes of adult acne
- Hormones. People who menstruate are more likely to experience adult acne from changes in hormone levels. These can happen during periods, pregnancy, and menopause, and from switching birth control.
- Stress. Stress increases androgen hormones that can cause your skin to overproduce oil and become inflamed. It can also worsen existing skin conditions.
- Skincare products. Pore-clogging ingredients in your moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, and body wash may be causing breakouts.
- Family history. Genetics make some people more prone to developing adult acne.
- Health disorders. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause acne.
- Medication. If you’re taking any medication, ask your doctor if acne is a side effect. Certain drugs, like steroids and lithium, are known to trigger acne.
- Diet. Studies show that dairy products and high-glycemic-load foods (which spike blood sugar levels) may contribute to or worsen acne. High-glycemic-load foods include white bread, cornflakes, and white potatoes.
How to treat adult acne at home
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to adult acne. Treatment depends on the person and may include a mix of lifestyle changes and medication.
Check your skincare products. Look at the product labels. Choose ones that say “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic,” which means they won’t clog your pores.
Manage stress. Finding ways to relax and get enough sleep can benefit your skin.
Modify your routine. It’s best to be gentle with your skin. I encourage my patients to use a mild soap no more than twice a day. Avoid harsh cleansers or scrubs, which can cause irritation. And don’t sleep with makeup on.
Keep your hands off your face. Picking or squeezing lesions can worsen acne and cause discoloration or scarring.
Nonprescription options for adult acne
Mild to moderate acne can often be treated at home with nonprescription (or over-the-counter) products. I recommend choosing a product with an active ingredient targeted to your type of acne.
It may take some trial and error to find an effective solution. Treatments can take time to work, so use them consistently for six to eight weeks. Avoid adding any new skincare products during that period.
Here are some active ingredients that can help with acne:
- Adapalene: targets blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples
- Azelaic acid: helps fight acne and fade dark spots from previous breakouts
- Benzoyl peroxide: treats mild acne (start with a product that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide)
- Salicylic acid: helps clear blackheads and whiteheads
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before trying any treatments. Some options, even when they’re over-the-counter, aren’t safe to use during pregnancy.
When to see a dermatologist
Persistent or severe adult acne may require care from a dermatologist. It’s best to make an appointment if at-home treatments aren’t working.
But don’t hesitate to get expert advice — you don’t have to deal with even mild acne alone. At Temple, experienced dermatologists can help you with all types of acne. The prescription treatments I recommend depend on your acne, your overall health, and other factors. Options may include:
- Antibiotics
- Oral isotretinoin
- Oral contraceptives
- Steroid injections
- Topical medications
There are various techniques to treat acne scars and dark spots left behind by acne. Temple offers comprehensive dermatology services for a wide range of skin conditions, including acne.
Get the support you need
At Temple Health, our experienced dermatologists are here to help. Our team will work closely with you to create a tailored care plan and provide advanced treatments to improve your skin’s health.
To schedule an appointment, call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request one online.
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