This article explores thecauses of adult acne, as well as what you can do to prevent it. It will also explain when it’s best to reach out to your doctor.
Westend61 / Getty Images
What Causes Acne?
The main factors that lead to acne for bothteensand adults may include:
Adult acne is more common in women than in men. Acne can impact women even after menopause, which is a timewhen your periods stop.
Acne Causes in Women
Several factors that may cause acne in women include:
Recap
How Do You Prevent Adult Acne?
There are a few things you can do to helpprevent adult acneand keep it from getting worse.
When to See a Dermatologist
Whether you have had acne since your teenage years, or it is a new skin problem, considerseeing a dermatologist, a hair, skin, and nails specialist, for treatment options.
A dermatologist can help you understand what may be causing your acne. They may prescribe medications or offertopical treatmentsapplied directly to the skin.
Summary
To help prevent acne, use cleansers and cosmetics that won’t clog your pores. Be sure to alsowash your facetwice a day.
If your acne isn’t clearing, considerreaching out to a dermatologistfor treatment options. They may prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter products to help treat your acne.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIn one study, 50% of women 20 to 29 years old, 35% of women 30 to 39 years old, 26% of women 40 to 49 years old, and 15% of women 50 or older had acne.Your dermatologist can work with you to find a treatment that’s right for your skin type and the severity of your acne. They may suggest:A topical option, such astretinoinIsotretinoin, an oral medication that should be used with caution due to possible side effectsSpironolactone, for hormonally driven acne
Frequently Asked Questions
In one study, 50% of women 20 to 29 years old, 35% of women 30 to 39 years old, 26% of women 40 to 49 years old, and 15% of women 50 or older had acne.
Your dermatologist can work with you to find a treatment that’s right for your skin type and the severity of your acne. They may suggest:A topical option, such astretinoinIsotretinoin, an oral medication that should be used with caution due to possible side effectsSpironolactone, for hormonally driven acne
Your dermatologist can work with you to find a treatment that’s right for your skin type and the severity of your acne. They may suggest:
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Adult acne.Bhate K, Williams HC.Epidemiology of acne vulgaris: epidemiology of acne vulgaris.British Journal of Dermatology. 2013;168(3):474-485. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149Perkins AC, Maglione J, Hillebrand GG, Miyamoto K, Kimball AB.Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span.J Womens Health. 2012;21(2):223-30. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2722American Academy of Dermatology.Acne: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Skroza N, Tolino E, Mambrin A, et al.Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1,167 patients.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(1):21-25.Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.DIC. 2021;10:1-18. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.Adult acne.Bhate K, Williams HC.Epidemiology of acne vulgaris: epidemiology of acne vulgaris.British Journal of Dermatology. 2013;168(3):474-485. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149Perkins AC, Maglione J, Hillebrand GG, Miyamoto K, Kimball AB.Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span.J Womens Health. 2012;21(2):223-30. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2722American Academy of Dermatology.Acne: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Skroza N, Tolino E, Mambrin A, et al.Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1,167 patients.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(1):21-25.Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.DIC. 2021;10:1-18. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.Adult acne.Bhate K, Williams HC.Epidemiology of acne vulgaris: epidemiology of acne vulgaris.British Journal of Dermatology. 2013;168(3):474-485. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149Perkins AC, Maglione J, Hillebrand GG, Miyamoto K, Kimball AB.Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span.J Womens Health. 2012;21(2):223-30. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2722American Academy of Dermatology.Acne: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Skroza N, Tolino E, Mambrin A, et al.Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1,167 patients.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(1):21-25.Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.DIC. 2021;10:1-18. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
American Academy of Dermatology.Adult acne.
Bhate K, Williams HC.Epidemiology of acne vulgaris: epidemiology of acne vulgaris.British Journal of Dermatology. 2013;168(3):474-485. doi:10.1111/bjd.12149
Perkins AC, Maglione J, Hillebrand GG, Miyamoto K, Kimball AB.Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span.J Womens Health. 2012;21(2):223-30. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2722
American Academy of Dermatology.Acne: who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?
Skroza N, Tolino E, Mambrin A, et al.Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1,167 patients.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(1):21-25.
Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL.Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.DIC. 2021;10:1-18. doi:10.7573/dic.2021-8-6
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
