{"id":12359,"date":"2020-06-01T17:47:29","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T21:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=12359"},"modified":"2025-01-15T14:18:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T19:18:35","slug":"why-am-i-getting-acne-as-an-adult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/why-am-i-getting-acne-as-an-adult\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes acne in adults?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting <\/span>acne as an adult <\/span>can seem like a raw deal. Aren\u2019t you supposed to have grown out of it by now?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although acne is thought of as a teenage experience, a huge number of adults deal with acne too. <\/span>One study found<\/span><\/a> that 15% of men and 85% of <\/span>women involved had adult acne.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This nagging skin condition can leave you searching for the holy grail of products, treatments, and regimens. But what actually <\/span>causes adult acne<\/span>? Is it something you\u2019ll have to live with forever, or is there a solution that actually works?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start out by defining acne. Acne is the term for when your pores and hair follicles get clogged with bacteria, resulting in pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. Nearly all acne you get in your adult years is caused by inflammation and clogged pores.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several causes for <\/span>adult acne<\/span>, some of which are simply out of your control. This makes it tricky to pinpoint the exact cause of your acne. We\u2019ve laid out some of the most common causes of adult acne below. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Hormones<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re a teen or an adult, hormones are the main culprit behind acne. When you\u2019re a teenager, puberty causes increased levels of androgens. As an adult, the hormonal reasons behind acne are different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In women, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and <\/span>menopause contribute to adult acne.<\/span> The fluctuations in hormone levels that each event brings is the trigger. These fluctuations can result in increased sebum production in your skin\u2019s oil glands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Men also go through hormonal shifts over the years. At around age 50, some men experience andropause, where testosterone levels dip. Too much testosterone can cause <\/span>adult acne in men<\/span>. Some men are genetically predisposed to having higher than usual testosterone levels. Elevated levels can also be caused by <\/span>testicular or adrenal tumours<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Contact irritation<\/h2>\n

Our skin is protected by a moisture barrier, also known as the acid mantle. The moisture barrier is made up of sebum and controls the pH level of your facial skin. It prevents dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from penetrating your skin. And, it locks in moisture, helping your skin stay healthy and bouncy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many things in your daily life can aggravate your skin\u2019s moisture barrier. Harsh cleansers, scrubs, razors, fragrances, and even detergents from your clothing can irritate your skin. If you\u2019re finding your skin is sensitive, it might be worth it to switch to fragrance-free soaps and to stop exfoliating for a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Skin-clogging products<\/h2>\n

Oftentimes, simpler is better for your skin. Many facial moisturizers, makeup products, sunscreens, and hair <\/span>products contribute to <\/span>adult acne.<\/span> Adult <\/span>chin or forehead acne<\/span> could be caused by pore-clogging ingredients in an everyday product. If it\u2019s happening to you, consider using something with a short list of straightforward ingredients instead. As well, some cosmetics such as foundation and powder layer over your pores and can become contaminated with bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Picking<\/h2>\n

When you have a pimple on your face, it can drive you a bit crazy. Every time you pass a mirror it\u2019s all you see. That\u2019s when your hands might unconsciously travel to your face, and start squeezing at the offending zit. Pump the brakes! Picking at your pimples only drives bacteria further down the pore, and drastically increases your chances of developing acne scars.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If taken too far, squeezing your zits can turn into excoriation disorder. People with this disorder often have very pronounced lesions and scarring from picking their face relentlessly. It\u2019s better to keep your hands off your face, and let your skin clear up on it\u2019s own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Stress<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not much help to say \u201cavoid stress.\u201d Stress is a fact of life, especially when you\u2019re an adult with bills to pay and a family to take care of. The key is to find ways to manage your stress levels. Stress can mess with your skin by increasing levels of a hormone called cortisol, which is involved in your \u201cfight or flight\u201d response. Your skin\u2019s oil glands have cortisol receptors, and produce more sebum when they\u2019re activated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Diet<\/h2>\n

A big aspect of acne is general inflammation levels throughout your body. Diet directly impacts this. Western diet, with lots of omega-6 fatty acids and refined sugar, can cause chronic inflammation. Admittedly, there\u2019s controversy over whether the role of <\/span>diet in causing adult<\/span> acne is overhyped. Some people break out reliably when they eat fried or sugary foods, while other people see no effect no matter what they eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Medication<\/h2>\n

Some medications have a tendency to cause acne. These medications include corticosteroids, antidepressants, and epilepsy treatments. Some hormonal contraceptive methods are also known to <\/span>trigger acne in adults<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Caring for acne at home<\/h2>\n

So, now we know some of the main causes of adult acne. Let\u2019s talk about <\/span>adult acne treatments<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n

The key to reducing incidental <\/span>adult acne is a good skincare<\/span> routine. Following smart skin practices to reduce incidental acne:<\/span><\/p>\n