Adult acne, or acne after the age of 25, is an aesthetic issue that results in unsightly blemishes and potential embarrassment for whoever has it. By this age, most teenage acne has resolved, however, an estimated 5% of men and 30% of women continue to or start to have some form of acne after their teenage years.

An Advanced Dermatology study found over 2 in 5 Americans in their 30s have acne. Luckily, there are several ways to treat adult acne.

What Causes Adult Acne?

Adult acne is a term used to refer to acne that started in adult life, typically after the age of 25, when most teenage acne resolves itself. Many factors can contribute to the onset of adult acne such as pregnancy, perimenopause, stress, and other hormonal changes. There is also a form of acne that is found in adults suffering from Rosacea.

  • Hormonal Causes: Pregnancy, perimenopause, and other hormone fluctuations can upset the pH balance of your skin in a way that invites acne and other buildups of bacteria
  • Stress: Stress routinely causes breakups as the overabundance of stress hormones like cortisol disrupt the skin’s ecosystem
  • Diet: A high fat diet can encourage further breakouts as the oil in the foods can interfere with hormonal balances and/or stimulate oil production in the skin
  • Medication Side Effects: Some medications upset hormonal balance or promote inflammation
  • Skin Condition: Occasionally, skin conditions like rosacea can exacerbate or cause acne outbreaks

How to Treat Adult Acne

Adult acne is different from the breakouts experienced in adolescence, and treating it often requires a slightly different approach. At Advanced Dermatology, we carefully evaluate your skin and create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your unique needs.

Teenage Acne vs. Adult Acne Treatment

Treatment for teenage acne is often approached with the assumption that the condition will improve over time, and that medications will eventually become unnecessary. Because acne in adolescence is usually temporary, short-term therapies are common.

When acne persists or begins later in life, long-term management becomes necessary. Many adults turn to drug-free approaches or topical treatments, but in some cases, stronger therapies, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), even in the absence of cystic or scarring acne, are considered in hopes of achieving lasting results.

Best Treatments for Adult Acne

Treatment from adult acne differs from that of teenagers. Adult skin tends to be drier, more sensitive and less tolerant of traditional therapies. This makes it especially important to seek guidance from a dermatologist. 

  • PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) and other light-based therapies help reduce adult acne by targeting several underlying causes of breakouts including: reducing oil production, killing bacteria, and decreasing inflammation
  • Topical treatments: Creams, gels or other skincare products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or adapalene can help unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, and reduce inflammation

Hormonal therapies: A common treatment for women is spironolactone, which helps by blocking the effects of androgens, the hormones that can overstimulate oil glands and lead to clogged pores and inflammation

Best Adult Acne Dermatologists in Lincolnshire and Glencoe

Advanced Dermatology, treats patients in Chicagoland’s North Shore, with offices in Lincolnshire and Glencoe. If you are experiencing adult acne, reach out today to develop a personalized treatment plan.