The problem of acne in adults is very similar to the pimples most adolescents get during puberty. In many cases, the causes of adult acne and teenage acne are the same. Like with teens, many women experience adult acne because of fluctuating or imbalanced hormones. However, a clear-cut reason why some adults suffer from acne and others do not has not been established. 

The skin disease called “acne vulgaris” happens when too much sebum clogs the sebaceous glands. These clogged glands then become infected with bacteria. Men are often more susceptible to acne the older they get because their sebaceous glands are more likely to react to certain hormones. Whether male or female, acne takes more time to heal since adult skin gets more fragile with age. The fragility of adult skin is also important to remember when choosing adult acne treatments.

Genetics and Adult Acne

It’s unfortunate for many, but the presence of acne can be due to genetics. People with mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters who are suffering or have suffered from adult acne have a higher chance of having the same problem. Recently conducted studies concluded a person is four times more likely to develop adult acne if this skin issue exists within the close family.

How Hormones Contribute to Acne

One of the most common causes of acne in adults is the fluctuation and imbalance of certain hormones. This is especially true for women, who many experience breakouts during their premenstrual time because of the hormonal changes. Since many cases of acne in adults are hormone-based, stress can also be a culprit as it also has an effect on certain hormone levels. Learning stress management techniques may help you curb your breakouts if hormonal acne is your issue.

The Importance of Keeping Skin Clean

An important part of keeping your face clear is good hygiene. This is common sense as keeping your skin properly cleansed can help wash away extra oil and help your chances of keeping acne at bay. It is recommended you use a cleanser for acne-prone skin morning and night. For adult acne, you may prefer a cleanser for sensitive skin that contains salicylic acid.

Lots of women use cosmetics to cover up their acne. If you want to conceal your breakouts without making them worse, choose products meant for your skin type and make sure all makeup is free from oil and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Before bed each night, cleanse your face of all cosmetics before continuing with any skin care routine you follow.

Understanding Your Acne

You may want to keep a journal to record when you experience acne, what adult acne treatments help, and which do not. By being clear about the patterns and causes of your acne you can be more vigilant about preventing it. Getting rid of adult acne can sometimes be challenging, but when you understand the factors leading to your acne the problem is easier to battle.