We commonly associate teenage and young adult ages with acne. So, it surprises many people that after getting past this period, they still battle with acne instead of getting the clear skin they envisaged.

If you’re an adult struggling with acne and acne scars, know that acne is not a teenage problem. Adults have acne too. And women tend to have it more than men.

This article will explore adult acne. Specifically, it’ll discuss the causes of adult acne, the most effective treatment strategies, practical tips to help you manage it daily, and when to seek professional help.

 

Is adult acne different from the acne we experienced as teenagers?

Adult acne is no different from the acne normally associated with teenage years. Acne (also known as acne vulgaris) is a skin condition that occurs when pores and hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. This causes blackheads, whiteheads, and different types of pimples.

Acne is acne, whether experienced as a teenager or much later in adulthood. It is caused by dead skin cells and oil-clogging hair follicles. However, adult acne presents itself in different ways compared to the acne experienced in the teenage years.

In teen acne, the clogging of hair follicles leading to the acne is caused by hormonal changes during puberty. But in adult acne, the clogging is caused by different factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and lifestyle choices.

Also, teen acne is most common on the forehead and cheeks, while adult acne can also develop around the jawline, chin, and neck.

In addition, unlike teen acne, adult acne is more likely to persist for longer and more likely to have complications like scaring or pigmentation.

 

Causes of adult acne

Adult acne is caused by different factors. These include:

 

Hormonal fluctuations

Women, especially, have acne because of hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, birth control, and conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). 

These changes can increase androgens in the body, and high levels of androgens cause an increase in sebum (oil) production. This increased oil can clog hair follicles, leading to acne.

 

Stress

Stress is characterized by imbalances in body functioning. When you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol (the stress hormone) to help you respond to the stressor. Specifically, cortisol levels increase about nine times in stressful periods compared to their levels in relaxed periods.

However, cortisol influences sebaceous gland activity. Increasing cortisol levels stimulates the sebaceous gland in the skin to produce more sebum (oil). More oil production leads to more acne. 

 

Diet

Certain foods, particularly dairy, high-glycemic-index foods (like white bread and sugary snacks), and processed foods, may increase acne in many people. 

High-glycemic foods raise blood sugar quickly, making your body produce more insulin to combat the increasing blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, excess insulin increases the production of IGF-1 (a hormone that promotes cell growth) and androgens (which increase sebum production). Thus, increased insulin leads to increased oil production and skin cell turnover, which can easily clog pores and cause acne.

Thus, you’re more likely to have adult acne if your diet contains high-glycemic food like white bread, white rice, puffed rice, cornflakes, potato chips, white potatoes, doughnuts (or other pastries), and sugary drinks.

 

Skincare products

Skincare products can trigger acne breakouts if they are too harsh or are comedogenic (clog pores and hair follicles).

Products that are too harsh can cause skin purging (excessive cell turnover). This causes dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne. 

Comedogenic products contain heavy oils (such as silicones, shea butter, artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives). These oils easily clog pores and hair follicles, causing acne.

 

Environmental factors

Exposure to pollution, humidity, and harsh weather can irritate the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts. For example:

 

• Polluted air can contain bacteria that can proliferate on the skin and clog pores, causing acne breakouts.
• Tight-fitting clothing and headgear (like hats and spot helmets) constantly rub against the skin, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores. They also trap sweat, moisture, and heat against the skin, which can mix with oils to clog pores and cause acne.
• Hot weather makes you sweat more, and sweat can mix with natural oils in acne-prone skin to block pores and trigger acne. Also, humidity can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil and can lead to a proliferation of bacteria on your skin, which can block pores and cause acne.

 

Genetics

The major cause of acne is genetics. Studies have shown that 81% of acne variants are caused by genetics. If you have a family history of acne, you are more at risk of having this skin problem.

 

Adult acne treatment strategies

There are several ways to treat acne. These include: 

 

Topical Treatments

Topical acne treatments are medications you rub directly onto your skin (as you would a moisturizer or lotion) to treat the problem. Topical treatments are usually the first line of defense for adult acne. They are designed to target them directly, reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and preventing clogged pores.

Topical acne treatment usually includes the following ingredients:

Benzoyl peroxide: This powerful ingredient targets surface bacteria that can aggravate acne. Benzoyl peroxide is found in several over-the-counter gels, face washes, and cleansers for sensitive skin.

Salicylic acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells. It dissolves the dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores. You’ll find salicylic acid in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs (like glycolic acid) reduce the concentration of calcium ions in the skin, promoting the shedding of skin cells at the surface. This prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores, preventing the formation of acne. 

Retinoids: These compounds help unclog pores, making them effective in breaking blackheads and whiteheads. They also help prevent clogged pores, preventing the formation of new acne. Topical retinoids are available in prescription and over-the-counter medications. 

Azelaic acid: This is a natural acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. This ingredient kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces swelling, making it effective in treating acne and rosacea.

Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics control surface bacteria, preventing them from proliferating and clogging pores to cause acne.

 

Oral Medications

Oral acne treatments are pills that you take by mouth to tackle acne. These include:

 

• Antibiotics: These medications work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. Thus, they prevent skin bacteria from proliferating and clogging pores to cause acne. Popular oral antibiotics for acne include tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.
• Oral retinoids: Oral retinoids like isotretinoin lowers the size and activity of oil glands. This can unclog pores and reduce oil production, preventing pores from becoming clogged. Oral isotretinoin effectively treats severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills can regulate hormones (particularly for women), helping to control acne linked to hormonal fluctuations.
• Hormone therapy: Spironolactone can block the effect of androgens, preventing excess oil (sebum) production that can clog pores and hair follicles.

 

Non-pharmaceutical treatments

Non-pharmaceutical acne treatments refer to options that do not involve medications. They can be used to supplement or complement traditional (topical or oral) medications for acne treatment.

These include:

 

Chemical peels

 

These are chemical solutions that are applied to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers. This prevents dead skin cells from clogging pores and causing acne. 

LA ViE MD medical spa uses VI peel – a medium-strength, medical-grade chemical peel that delivers dramatic results faster than other chemical peels and with less downtime. Our experts will apply the peel to the face and leave the solution for a few minutes. The peel acids break down the bonds between dead skin cells, causing them to slough off and reveal brighter skin underneath.

 

Laser therapy

 

Laser therapy kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces acne scars and inflammation. 

LA ViE MD laser treatment is the fastest way to deal with moderate or severe acne (including deep scars and inflammatory acne). Expert dermatologists direct laser beams at specific areas of your skin. This kills acne-causing bacteria and evaporates acne-scarred skin, stimulating new skin cell growth to remove scarring.

 

Microneedling

 

Microneedling is a minimally invasive medical procedure that involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the top layer of the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing process, as the skin produces more collagen and elastin to heal these micro-injuries, improving skin texture and reducing scarring.

LA ViE MD microneedling treatment has helped countless people achieve youthful, firmer, scar-free skin. Our medical spa uses the SkinPen, an FDA-approved device for microneedling treatment that maximizes collagen production with minimum downtime. LA ViE MD microneedling treatments break down acne scars and promote the formation of new, healthy skin.

 

Practical tips for managing adult acne daily

Managing adult acne goes beyond using treatments. It also requires adopting a skincare routine and lifestyle changes that help prevent flare-ups. These include:

 

• Develop a skincare routine: Wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser. Use clean towels after washing, and follow up with a light, oil-free moisturizer. Also, remove makeup before going to bed.
• Be gentle on your skin: Avoid harsh skincare products as they can cause excessive cell turnover to clog pores. Also, avoid picking your face, as that can introduce bacteria and lead to scarring. 
• Avoid over-exfoliating: Over-exfoliating can cause skin irritation, which worsens acne. Do not exfoliate more than twice or thrice a week.
• Manage stress: Stress increases cortisol levels, which stimulates excess oil that causes acne. Managing stress can help reduce acne breakouts. Include regular exercise, yoga, or mindfulness practices in your daily routine.
• Make dietary changes: Since certain foods can cause acne, dietary changes can help manage mild acne. A low-glycemic diet improves symptoms in acne patients. Adopt a diet with fewer processed foods, refined sugars, and dairy.

 

When to seek professional help for adult acne

Mild acne can be managed with over-the-counter products. However, there are times when you should seek professional help. These situations include:

 

• Persistent acne: If acne persists for weeks or months despite using over-the-counter treatment, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. 
• Severe acne: If you have acne with large cysts, nodules, or painful pimples deep under the skin, you may want to consult a dermatologist to prevent scarring.
• Painful or inflamed acne: If acne becomes painful, inflamed, or cystic (pus-filled), you may want to seek professional help. They can help manage the situation and prevent more severe outbreaks and scarring.
• Frequent breakouts: Frequent acne breakouts may be a sign of an underlying issue (like hormonal imbalance). So, you may want to seek professional help if you experience frequent breakouts, especially after adulthood.
• Scarring or hyperpigmentation: If acne leads to scarring or persistent dark spots, consult a dermatologist. They can recommend treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling to reduce scarring.
• Suspected allergic reaction: If you suspect that an acne treatment is causing an allergic reaction, you should seek professional help immediately.

 

Takeaway: Manage acne with LA ViE MD skin treatment

Are you struggling with acne as an adult? With the right treatment options and lifestyle changes, you can manage your breakouts, prevent scarring, and regain your confidence.

Proven acne treatment options are discussed above, including topical treatment, oral medications, and non-pharmaceutical treatments. 

LA ViE MD offers the best non-pharmaceutical acne treatments in Danville and Los Gatos, California. Our medical spa offers a luxurious and professional environment for aesthetics and wellness treatments. We provide individualized acne care, use best practices, and offer a luxurious treatment environment.

Want the best acne treatment experience and outcomes? Book an appointment today for our acne treatment.

 

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about acne: 

 

Who should treat adult acne at home?

People with mild to moderate acne can treat the condition at home using over-the-counter treatments. However, if acne persists or worsens, or you notice an allergic reaction to treatment medication, consult a dermatologist immediately.

 

Can your diet contribute to worsening acne?

Diet can worsen acne. High-glycemic foods (like white bread, dairy, and sugary snacks) can cause acne. These foods increase blood sugar, making the body produce more insulin. And high insulin levels make oil glands produce more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne.

 

How can I treat adult acne quickly?

There is no instant solution to acne. However, a combination of treatment options can accelerate results. For example, you may combine topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide with oral medications. Alternatively, you may combine oral medications with non-pharmaceutical treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling.

 

What’s the most effective treatment for adult acne?

The best treatment approach for acne depends on its severity and cause. However, oral retinoids and hormonal therapies have been found to be effective in treating acne that has not responded to other treatments, while non-pharmaceutical treatments are effective in reducing acne scarring.

 

What over-the-counter treatments do dermatologists typically recommend for adult acne?

Common over-the-counter treatments recommended for adult acne include benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.

 

How do I apply my acne medication for best results?

When using topical acne medication, cleanse your face first, then apply the medication directly to the affected areas. Use only a small amount to avoid irritation. When using oral medication, use as directed by your dermatologist.

 

When should I expect results from acne medication?

Results vary from person to person when using acne medication. However, it can take four to eight weeks to notice significant improvement.

 

Is it possible to permanently get rid of adult acne?

Although it may not be possible to permanently eliminate acne, the right treatments can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts.

 

How do I treat hormonal adult acne?

You can treat hormonal adult acne with hormonal therapy (like spironolactone) to reduce hormone fluctuations or topical treatments to reduce oil production and inflammation. However, you may want to consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist to determine the best treatment approach.