What Causes Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of it?

You made it through the acne flare-ups of youth from puberty through your teen years. So why are those pesky red bumps and blackheads still appearing? If you’re experiencing adult-onset acne, whether mild or more severe, you’re not alone.

While many people associate acne with youth, symptoms can crop up at any age and stage of life. Experiencing frequent flare-ups into your 30s, 40s, or beyond is not uncommon. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to minimize your acne symptoms.

At Dermatology of Boca, we help our patients living in and around Boca Raton, Florida, with customized treatment plans for acne.

What causes acne

No matter your age, acne develops when bacteria in the glands that are responsible for keeping your skin moistened become infected. When excess oil is produced or pores within your skin become clogged, it causes inflammation, redness, and pimples. When this happens only on the surface of your skin, blackheads develop.

Risk factors for adult acne

While anyone can experience acne into adulthood, a range of factors make flare-ups more likely. These include:

• Family history of adult-onset acne
• Menstruation
• Poor facial hygiene
• Pregnancy
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Stopping or starting birth control pills
• Undiagnosed medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome
• Use of oil-containing skincare products

Acne treatment for adults

The best treatment steps for acne vary based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as switching skincare products or improving your cleansing habits will suffice. If an underlying medical condition is fueling your symptoms, treatment for that condition should help alleviate your symptoms.

Otherwise, or if other steps fail to help, the following treatment options can go a long way:

• Laser treatments, such as ExcelⓇ V and Laser Genesis, which target and destroy bacteria that cause acne
• LED photodynamic treatment, which destroys harmful bacteria using a narrow band of red or blue light
• Medications, such as Retin-A and antibiotics
• Topical creams, gels, and lotions specially designed to minimize acne

Getting started with treatment

Once you’re ready to seek support for your acne symptoms, the first step is a consultation with a skilled and experienced professional. To make the most of your session, jot down specifics about your symptoms, such as how often they occur, as well as any questions you have. Your provider will conduct an exam of your skin during your visit and recommend a treatment plan. For the best long-term results, stay in touch with us and follow the suggested steps for caring for your acne at home.

For more information, schedule an appointment at our office by calling or using the online booking tool. Our team at Dermatology of Boca would love to help you reach your skincare goals.