{"id":45133,"date":"2021-10-29T09:30:07","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T13:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=45133"},"modified":"2024-05-28T15:38:06","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T19:38:06","slug":"adult-acne-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/adult-acne-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"8 causes of adult acne\u2014and how to treat it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Acne, sometimes called acne vulgaris, is the most common chronic skin condition in the United States; it impacts people of all races and ages. In fact, <\/span>according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)<\/span><\/a>, up to 50 million Americans are affected by acne each year. Though the skin disorder is most common in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24, acne breakouts, papules, and blackheads can continue well into adulthood. Even if you\u2019ve never experienced it before, acne can arise in your 30s to 50s, referred to as adult-onset acne. Here, experts explain why acne occurs in adults and what to do about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

8 causes of adult acne<\/span><\/h2>\n

Acne is most common in the <\/span>teenage years<\/span><\/a>, but it doesn\u2019t always end after puberty. In many people, acne blemishes resolve in their 30s, but it\u2019s possible for older adults to get acne, too. \u201cAcne is the most common skin disorder period,\u201d says <\/span>Flor Mayoral, MD<\/span><\/a>, a dermatologist at Mayoral Dermatology in Coral Gables, Florida. \u201cIt\u2019s prevalent in all races, ethnicities, and age groups.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adult acne causes are similar across all age groups. \u201cAdult acne can be the product of several factors that are similar to adolescent breakouts,\u201d says <\/span>Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Florida. \u201cThe most common factors are excess oil production, clogged pores, inflammation, and bacteria.\u201d Testosterone (a hormone found in males and females) is the underlying cause of all the acne processes. Testosterone causes oil production near the skin, which can clog pores, attract acne, promote inflammation, and trigger breakouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn all the potential causes of acne as an adult:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Hormonal fluctuations<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Clogged pores<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Bacteria<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Inflammation<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Genetics<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Diet<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Heat and humidity<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Medications<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. Hormonal fluctuations<\/h2>\n

    Sudden breakouts often occur during times of hormonal changes due to weight changes, stress, and certain medications, and the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause in women.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201c[In women], a breakout could happen around your period if you\u2019re on\/off birth control or even pregnant,\u201d Dr. Chen says. \u201cAny fluctuation in hormone levels can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce excess oil.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pay attention to patterns of acne breakouts that could be hormone-related. \u201cHormonal breakouts usually affect the face [especially on the chin and along the jawline],\u201d Dr. Chen says.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The condition <\/span>polycystic ovary syndrome<\/span><\/a>, which causes the ovaries to produce more androgens (commonly known as testosterone), is also associated with increased risk of acne. Certain hormonal treatments such as combined hormonal birth control pills, contraceptive patch, or vaginal ring, or oral spironolactone can help with getting your hormone levels under control. Be sure to consult with your primary care provider or dermatologist for treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Clogged pores<\/h2>\n

    The underlying cause of a breakout can vary depending on the type of acne, but dead skin cells trapped on the surface of skin is a universal trigger. \u201cWhile there are many forms and causes of acne, the main cause of acne is overproduction of sebum [an oily, waxy substance] and clogged pores,\u201d says <\/span>Michele Green, MD<\/span><\/a>, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York, NY.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cSweat, dirt, oil, and friction on your body can cause acne,\u201d Dr. Chen says. \u201cWhether it\u2019s on your chest, shoulders or back, it\u2019s all coming from the same place\u2014a clogged pore with excess oil getting inflamed and leading to acne.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Skincare products (like lotions and moisturizers), makeup, sunscreen, and even <\/span>hair products<\/span><\/a> can clog your pores, too. This type of acne is called acne cosmetica. Make sure to wash your face before going to sleep, and always make sure to use oil-free and non-comedogenic products. \u201cThese topical treatments don\u2019t stimulate excess oil production or clogged pores,\u201d Dr Chen says. Good daily skin care involves using a gentle skin cleanser and oil free moisturizer with sunscreen. Scrubbing your skin or using drying soaps may actually make skin worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Bacteria<\/h2>\n

    Redness, papules, nodules, and cysts result when bacteria moves into the area of oil and sebum build-up and causes a local inflammatory reaction. There are a variety of <\/span>bacteria<\/span><\/a> that can cause acne inflammation. Sometimes even certain types of fungus or yeast can cause inflammation. Part of acne treatment involves using bacteriostatic gels or creams (such as benzoyl peroxide), antibiotics (such as gels, creams, or oral medications), or antibacterial therapies (such as bleach baths and hibiclens washes). In the event that fungus is contributing to the outbreaks, then antifungal therapies may be helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Inflammation<\/h2>\n

    Acne forms when sebum and oil become trapped in the sebaceous glands (oil glands) of the skin. \u201cOnce the glands are clogged, the bacteria that normally lives there begins to multiply rapidly, causing inflammation in the skin cells,\u201d Dr. Green says. \u201cThis inflammation is what causes the pimples, pustules, and cysts associated with acne.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Inflammation is already at play prior to a breakout. \u201cEven before you see an acne lesion, there’s an increase in inflammation that takes place, and it can happen at any age,\u201d says Dr. Mayoral. In fact, <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> indicates that acne is primarily an inflammatory skin disease, and the inflammation begins very early on, prior to the development of acne lesions. Elevated levels of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells (lymphocytes triggered by an immune response in the body) have been identified in the normal, pre-breakout skin of acne patients, indicating that an inflammatory response is already happening before a breakout starts.<\/span><\/p>\n

    5. Genetics<\/h2>\n

    Acne is not selective and anyone can get it, though some individuals are genetically predisposed. <\/span>According to the AAD<\/span><\/a>, people with a close family member, such as a sibling or parent who has acne, are more likely to get it, too. But even when acne is hereditary, it can still be successfully treated. \u201cAll forms of acne are treatable; however, some forms take longer to treat than others,\u201d says Dr. Green. \u201cThe treatment of acne should be taken seriously \u2026 to prevent scarring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    6. Diet<\/h2>\n

    Inflammation and diet are intricately connected. Eating certain foods that contain a high sugar load can cause skin inflammation, contributing to breakouts. Some experts <\/span>recommend<\/span><\/a> avoiding spicy foods, chocolate, cola, and highly processed foods to help curtail acne.\u00a0 There is limited evidence that a high protein, low glycemic diet may also be helpful in reducing breakouts. It is a myth that junk food, greasy foods, chocolate, or sugar alone cause acne.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen it comes to your diet, cutting back on dairy and focusing on low glycemic intake can help lessen sebum production, contributing to oil production and acne,\u201d Dr. Green says. A low glycemic diet focuses on unprocessed whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy fats to help keep your blood sugar levels down, thus reducing inflammation in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

    7. Heat and humidity<\/h2>\n

    Heat and humidity can cause an increase in the bacteria that causes acne. That\u2019s the reason why people are more likely to develop acne\u2014or <\/span>maskne<\/span><\/a>\u2014when they wear a face mask. \u201cThe temperature and the humidity is extremely high where you have the mask,\u201d says Dr. Mayoral. \u201cI have seen patients only develop acne in the area where the mask touches the skin. A synthetic or rough fabric may cause a little bit of friction and make the acne worse in the area where the mask touches the face.\u201d Try swapping out the type of face mask you\u2019re using if acne is developing in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Sport-specific gear such as football padding or bicycling helmets may also cause friction that results in acne. \u201cWhen you have mechanical friction, the acne can get worse in the areas where there\u2019s contact with something like a football helmet,\u201d Dr. Mayoral says. This type of acne, called acne mechanica, often responds well to over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Also, it is important to shower or bathe as soon as possible after sweating heavily to clean off sweat, bacteria, and unclog pores. Additionally, it is helpful to wear breathable\/wickable clothing and wipe down equipment with an antibacterial solution or wipe after using it (helmets, pads, eyewear, etc).<\/span><\/p>\n

    RELATED: <\/b>Does working out cause acne?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    8. Medications<\/h2>\n

    Some medications can trigger acne breakouts as a side effect. <\/span>Research<\/span><\/a> indicates that oral corticosteroids, certain contraceptives, testosterone, and anabolic steroids can cause acne-like skin eruptions. The following may also aggravate or worsen acne:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n