Adult Acne: Causes and Treatment

Though people think acne is a problem that mostly occurs during your teens, unfortunately it can occur at any age. People can get acne in their 40s and even beyond. The causes of adult acne remain mostly the same as teen acne – excess skin oil, bacteria, hormonal changes and family history.

Acne typically appears on your face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders as these areas of skin have the most sebaceous glands (oil secreting gland). Sometimes self-care or over-the- counter remedies may give you the desired results, but in some cases acne persists even after using these remedies, in such instances you may want to seek medical treatment from a dermatologist.

Common Causes of Adult Acne
Hormonal changes

Hormones known as Androgens, increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Similar hormonal changes may happen during midlife, particularly in women and lead to breakouts.

Family history

Genetics can also play a role in acne. If both of your parents had acne, you’re likely to develop it too.

Excess Oil & Bacteria

Excess oil can clog pores and rapid turnover of skin cells can lead to backed up hair follicles. Both these scenarios can cause adult acne. Bacteria called P.acnes can also cause adult acne.

Lifestyle

An unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can cause adult acne. Foods like dairy, oil and sugar can particularly trigger acne.

Treatment for Adult Acne

Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin for a lifetime. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.  A dermatologist can work with you to develop a treatment plan for your acne and unique skin type. Treatments start from basic medicated creams and oral medications to advanced treatments with lasers, medical facials with blue light therapy and other devices.

Once the acne is settled the focus will shift to improving skin texture and reducing sebaceous hyperplasia, or enlarged oil glands. This is important to prevent further breakouts in the future