05/06/2023
Acne not only occurs at teenage but also after 20s. Some adults continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. It is even possible to get acne for the first time as an adult.
We dermatologists call this “adult-onset acne.” It is most common among women going through menopause.
If you’re getting acne as an adult, it is likely due to one or more of the following reasons.
👉Fluctuating hormone levels: An imbalance can lead to breakouts.
⏩Women often experience fluctuating hormones:
🔵Around their periods
🔵During pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause
🔵After discontinuing or starting birth control pills
👉Stress: Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.
👉Family history: Does a close blood relative, such as a parent, brother, or sister have acne? Findings from research studies suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. People who have this predisposition be more likely to get adult acne.
👉Hair and skin care products: If you have adult acne, you should read the labels on your skin care and hair care products.
Make sure that you see one of the following terms on every container:
⏩Non-comedogenic
⏩Non-acnegenic
⏩Oil-free
⏩Won’t clog pores
You want to make sure your moisturizer, cleanser, sunscreen, and all other products contain one of these terms. These products are least likely to cause acne.
👉Medication side effect: Acne is a side effect of some medicines.
👉Undiagnosed medical condition: Sometimes, acne is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and treated, the acne often clears.
🔴Effective treatment available for adult acne
If nothing clears your acne, you should see a dermatologist. Effective treatment is available. Often a dermatologist will use two or more treatments. With a dermatologist’s help and a bit of patience, virtually every case of acne can be controlled.