Why You Still Get Acne As an Adult

One of the biggest skin care myths is that acne magically disappears after 20 years. teenage yearsI'm lucky in that I rarely ever flare up. I thought I was free at home until, at the age of 25, acne became one of my main skin problems. As it turns out, my story is not unique. “adult acne occurs very often, especially in women of childbearing age, that is, between the ages of 20 and 40 years, ”says Candace Marino, medical cosmetologist from Los Angeles. So what causes adult acne and how can you treat it without resorting to aggressive products meant for teenagers? Read on to find out. 

What causes acne in adults

Even though you're past puberty by your 20s, you can still experience hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle and before, during, and after pregnancy. “The usual areas of hormonal breakouts in women appear on the chin and jawline, and we tend to see more inflamed and cystic patches,” says Marino. 

In addition to hormones, stress, diet, foods, and impurities that clog pores can contribute to breakouts. Basically, if you were acne prone as a teenager, chances are your skin is still acne prone as an adult.

How is acne in adults different from acne in teenagers? 

“During adolescence, hormonal fluctuations can cause excess sebum and sweat, which leads to breakouts, and adolescents typically develop larger blackheads and pustules,” says Marino. In comparison, she says adults are more likely to develop inflamed, red pimples and cystic patches. Luckily for teenagers, they tend to have a high cell turnover rate, which helps their skin heal faster. “This is why post-inflammatory acne marks tend to remain in adults and we see slower responses to products and treatments,” she explains. 

How to treat acne in adults 

What can make adult acne more difficult to treat than teenagers, says Marino, is that adults can also deal with pigmentation, dehydration and sensitivity. All these concerns should be taken into account when choosing the best form of treatment. It may be helpful to consult a board-certified dermatologist or licensed esthetician for a treatment plan that is effective but does not aggravate other skin problems. "It's very important to follow a regimen that helps prevent and treat acne while keeping your skin hydrated," says Marino. 

Try using a gentle cleanser that contains an acne-fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide. The Skincare.com team loves CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. For non-drying spot treatment, see La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment.