Is There Any Help for Adult Acne?

You thought acne only plagued teenagers — until you reached adulthood and found out that’s just a myth. Here’s why acne affects grownups, too, and what you can do about it.

As a teenager, you expected acne to ruin your complexion and cause social awkwardness, but you figured that would all be in the past once you crossed over into adulthood. If, like half the adult population in America, you discovered that acne doesn’t stay confined to your youth, you may be at your wit’s end trying to get rid of the embarrassing skin condition.

The best thing to do is consult with Dr. Robert Topham here at Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah. He and our team help teens and adults deal with stubborn acne and reduce their symptoms using advanced technology and effective topical and oral medications. Here’s what you need to know about adult acne.

Why do I have acne as an adult?

Adult acne isn’t only possible; it’s probable. One study showed that up to 40% of men and 54% of women over 25 have acne to some degree.

In fact, you can experience adult acne that continues from your youth into adulthood with no remission or you can have a relapse of acne after years of clear skin between adolescence and adulthood. You can even develop acne for the first time ever as an adult in your 30s, 40, or 50s — it’s called adult-onset acne.

But why?

The reasons for adult acne are complicated because several factors may apply to you at once. Here are the most common reasons acne can crop up later in life.

Unstable hormones

The main culprit behind teenage acne is fluctuating hormones, so it’s easy to see how a hormonal imbalance as you age can lead to breakouts. Every month, women’s menstrual cycles cause a surge of hormones that can set off an outbreak of pimples. Pregnancy and menopause can do the same.

Genetics

Certain genes that run in your family may put you at a higher risk for developing adult acne.

Medications

Although it’s uncommon, some medications cause acne or acne-like skin eruptions as a side effect. For example, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, corticosteroids, bromides, and lithium are known to trigger breakouts.

Stress

When you’re stressed, your body amps up its production of androgen hormones, which in turn triggers more oil production. This can clog your pores and develop into acne.

Personal care products

Certain products you use to cleanse, moisturize, and beautify your skin can lead to adult acne. Make sure you purchase products that are oil-free, noncomedogenic, and nonacnegenic so they don’t clog your pores.

Yes, there’s help and hope for adult acne

The best treatment for your adult acne depends on the underlying cause or causes. Dr. Topham helps you get to the bottom of your acne breakouts, so he can help you avoid triggers and give your skin the best possible chance of preventing and overcoming adult acne.

While some over-the-counter topical treatments may help improve mild acne, chances are you’ve tried those and are looking for something stronger. You’ve come to the right place.

Dr. Topham is an experienced dermatologist who understands the complex epidemiology of and treatments for adult acne. He offers prescription-strength topical and oral medications, expert extractions for painful acne cysts, and state-of-the-art laser technology and light therapies to eliminate the bacteria responsible for your acne.

If you’re tired of dealing with adult acne, take action by calling us today to schedule an appointment that will change your skin and your life.