The Truth About Adult Acne

Pimples and acne are often thought to be reserved for teens. The expectation is that once you’re an adult, you won’t have to worry about frequent breakouts or pimples popping up before a big event. Of course, then you reach adulthood and realize that everything you thought about acne was not quite accurate.

The truth is, adults get acne. Worse, adult acne can be even more and challenging to treat than the blemishes you had as a kid. Whether you’re facing regular breakouts as an adult or the occasional pimple, here’s what you need to know about adult acne.

Who Gets Adult Acne?

There’s no upper age limit on acne. Adults can get it when they are in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s.  That said, there are some adults who are more likely to have to deal with acne and breakouts than others. Usually, women are more likely to have acne during their adult years than men.

What Causes Adult Acne?

Several things cause acne during adulthood. One of the reasons why women are more likely than men to have to deal with it is because changes in hormone levels often trigger acne. For example, although it’s widely thought that going on birth control pills can help reduce acne, for some women, the pill can make acne worse.

Even if you’re not taking birth control pills, your hormone levels can be a trigger for acne. Some women experience breakouts around their periods, while other women develop acne during pregnancy. It’s also possible for older women, who didn’t previously have a problem with pimples or breakouts, to suddenly develop acne as they start going through menopause.

Hormones aren’t the only thing to blame for acne. High levels of stress can also be a trigger for breakouts during adulthood, as can a person’s family history. Those with parents or other relatives who had acne are more likely to have it as adults.

Your diet might also play a role in the development of acne. For example, some people are particularly sensitive to dairy products or to foods with high amounts of sugar. If you suspect that what you eat is contributing to your acne, you can try cutting out certain foods to see if doing so makes a difference.

Other causes of acne in adults include some medications and some skin or hair care products. Take a look at the packaging of the products you use on a regular basis. If they aren’t labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free,” there’s a chance they’re to blame for your acne.

Is Adult Acne the Same as the Acne You Had as a Teenager?

There are some differences between the acne you might have had a teenager and the acne you’re dealing with as an adult. For one thing, adults tend to get acne in a different location than teens. While a teenager might have acne on the forehead and cheeks, as well as on the body, adults typically see breakouts on their jawline and other area of the lower face. It’s also much less common for adults to have acne on their body.

Acne in adults often looks different from teenage acne too. As a teen, you might have had all types of pimples, from blackheads and whiteheads, to red zits and cystic acne. As an adult, you’re more likely to see the classic red pimples than other forms of acne.

Treatments for Adult Acne

If you’re an adult with acne, what can you do about it? Several treatments are available for acne. They range from over-the-counter or prescription skincare products to help clean the skin and remove bacteria, to prescription-strength medications. While prescription medications are often effective for treating acne in adults, they also usually tend to have a range of side effects and, in some cases, they shouldn’t be taken by women who are pregnant or who want to become pregnant.

A plastic surgeon might also be able to offer a range of in-office treatments to help reduce and control acne. For example, some types of laser treatments and chemical peels can effectively reduce acne and help you feel more confident about your appearance.

In Houston, Texas, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique offers a wide range of treatments for adult acne. To learn more about your options and to schedule a consultation, call 281-810-9083 today.