People may associate acne with the teenage years, but it can also occur in adulthood. Hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications can all contribute to adult acne. However, there are many options available to help individuals treat and prevent this skin condition.
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects roughly 50 million Americans annually. It usually begins in puberty but can occur at any stage in life and may continue into adulthood. Doctors may also refer to adult acne as adult-onset acne or postadolescent acne.
It typically develops when oil and dead skin cells plug pores on the skin, resulting in the development of lesions commonly referred to as zits or pimples.
Many different types of acne can occur all over the body. Acne most often develops on the face, but it can also present on the back, chest, and shoulders.
While acne is more common during adolescence, it is possible for acne to continue into a person’s 30s, 40s, and 50s. Some people may even develop acne for the first time as an adult. Research also notes that adult acne is more common in females.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that the most common causes of adult acne include the below.
Changes in hormones
Similar to the leading cause of acne in teenagers, a hormonal imbalance can result in acne. Many factors can alter hormone levels, including:
- periods
- pregnancy
- perimenopause, which refers to the time leading up to and directly after menopause
- menopause
- starting or stopping birth control pills or other hormonal contraception
Stress
When experiencing stress, some people may have an acne flare-up, which is possibly due to the body producing more androgen hormones in response. These hormones can stimulate the oil glands in the skin, resulting in acne.
Family history
Some evidence suggests that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. This means that if a close blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, has acne, then a person may be more likely to develop adult acne.
Beauty products
Some hair and skin care products may contain substances that can aggravate acne-prone skin. Using them can result in acne breakouts. Therefore, people may wish to consider only using products labeled as:
- noncomedogenic
- non-acnegenic
- oil free
- will not clog pores
Medication side effects
Some medications can cause acne as a side effect. If a person suspects their medication is triggering their acne, they should continue taking the medicine but consider discussing alternative treatment options with their doctor.
Medications that may cause acne can include hormonal medicines, antidepressants, B vitamins, halogens, and antiepileptics.
Undiagnosed medical conditions
In some cases, adult acne may result from an underlying medical condition, so treating the condition can often cause acne to clear. For example, people with polycystic ovary syndrome typically develop adult acne due to fluctuations in their hormone levels.
Source: Medical News Today
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