Adult acne is simply the term for a sudden breakout that occurs in your adult years. You can get adult acne whether or not you had acne as a teenager. It may happen in early adulthood in your 20s or 30s, or not until you are getting close to menopause age. There are many different reasons for this type of acne, from hormonal imbalances, to lifestyle considerations. Here are some things to know about adult acne and what you can do about it.
What Are the Causes?
There are several different things that may contribute to the development of adult acne. One of the most common causes of acne in your adult years is emotional stress. Stress causes many changes in your body, and can also have an effect on your skin. You may notice that during times when you don't have an exorbitant amount of stress in your life, your skin is much clearer. Other possible causes include the folowing:
Hormonal imbalance – If your hormone levels are fluctuating, it can cause your skin to react with breakouts and pimples. This occurs most often with women who might have hormonal changes due to her menstrual cycle, peri-menopause or menopause, pregnancy, or stopping or starting birth control pills.
Skin care products – If you have discovered your acne flare-ups shortly after trying a new skin care product, that might be the culprit. Some products use oil or other ingredients that cause your skin to have an allergic reaction. Others can clog your pores or simply don't work well with your skin type. Stop using the products and switch to another one to see if it helps clear up your skin.
Family history – If you have a family history of adult acne, there might not be much you can do to prevent it. Most cases of adult acne are not permanent and either go away after your dermatologist has treated it, or goes away on its own.
What Are the Treatment Options?
If you have adult acne, the first thing you should do is talk to your dermatologist. They will examine your skin, ask you a series of questions, and provide you with some treatment options. These treatments may include the following.
Changing your skin care routine – You might be asked to switch the products you use and start a new skin care routine. You should not wash your face more than twice a day, and use warm or cool water with a gentle cleansing product. An oil-free moisturizer is also important for proper skin care.
Switching up your medications – Some medications may put you at risk for acne, so your dermatologist and doctor can work together to prescribe you something different. There are often alternatives that work just as well but don't cause the breakouts.
Prescribing skin-care products – If the acne is due to a chemical imbalance, your dermatologist, one like J Kent Bartruff MD PA, can provide a high-quality skin care product that is prescription-strength. It will be gentle on your skin, but help with the acne more so than over-the-counter options.
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