Acne is often associated with the greasy skin of hormonal teenagers going through puberty – but it can actually affect anybody at any age.
The NHS estimates that around95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne.
For most people, acne will disappear as they reach their mid-20s, but that’s not always the case.
The NHS estimates that around 12% of women over 25 and and 3% of men experience adult acne (it is more common in women), yet studies show that rates have been rising over the past decade.
These rates may not be reflective of real life, explains Elizabeth Rimmer: Founder of London Professional Aesthetics, a London Skin Health Clinic.
Elizabeth tells Metro.co.uk: ‘In reality, I suspect the figures are quite high.
‘There are more options to get help now but there is no question that some people still suffer in silence with it.’
What is adult acne?
Adult acne is any acne that starts after the age of 25. It is not simply a matter of having a few spots, though, Elizabeth explains.
She adds: ‘The symptoms of acne include: whiteheads, blackheads, oily inflamed skin, large painful pus-filled spots (cystic lesions).
‘You can have all or some of these symptoms to be diagnosed with acne.’
Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, adds that there are six types of spots caused by acne.
These also include papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore. Pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus. Nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful.
‘Cysts are the most severe type of spot caused by acne…that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring,’ he adds.
In terms of where you’re going to find it, Savaş ALTAN Medical Aesthetic at Vera Clinic, says adult acne is more common around the chin, and along the jawline, while teenage acne usually appears in T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Who is affected by adult acne?
Anyone can struggle with acne, at different points in their life, yet gender and ethnicity can play a role.
While all skin types are at risk of scarring and pigmentation, Elizabeth explains, darker and mixed ethnicity skin types may be more at risk of dark spots once acne lesions have healed.
Women are much more likely to suffer from acne than men – this is due to hormone fluctuation.
Elizabeth explains that women with excessive levels of androgen (this includes testosterone) are more likely to experience acne.
This raised level of hormone can be due to polycystic ovaries.
Although there isn’t much research into this, women report that hormonal acne can be triggered, or helped, by changes to contraception.
Comedian Siânny Thomas, 36, had her first acne breakout after she had the copper coil put in around spring 2014.
‘Before this I had very low maintenance skin,’ she tells us. ‘I’d barely take my makeup off before bed (I’m neurodivergent so routines are difficult for me).
‘It cleared up with Yasmin, the contraceptive pill but I came off it after six months due to leg pain and swollen breasts as well as being too irritable for comfort.’
It cleared up in the sun and when Sian came ‘out of a stressful situation’ but it came back after she stopped taking Yasmin.
She’s not ‘overjoyed’ at her acne being visible, yet she has let it breathe this summer as, alongside having MS and an overactive thyroid it’s too ‘uncomfortable to wear makeup in this weather’.
‘I figured I never look at other women with visible acne and think negative things so just go for it,’ she concludes.
What causes adult acne?
There’s no one single cause for acne. It can be influenced by our genetics, hormones, pollution and humidity (yes, living in cities like London can make it worse!), and lifestyle.
‘As with acne in general, adult acne is hereditary to a degree and is majorly influenced by your hormones, excessive oil production in the skin and stress,’ Elizabeth explains.
Occasionally, skin and hair care products can be triggers.
Myth busting with Elizabeth Rimmer
Myth 1: People who get acne obviously eat a lot of junk food.
In my experience most acne sufferers eat a ‘normal’ diet, if not slightly ‘healthier’ than average. Improving diet seems to be one of the first things people try.
It’s so important to do this but can also leave you feeling disappointed as curing acne just isn’t that simple.
Myth 2: People who get acne are unhygienic.
Again – quite the opposite is true here. Acne sufferers tend to over-care for their skin in an attempt to improve it.
Myth 3: Any ads for miracle cures.
Like all complex skin problems, there isn’t a miracle cure. In fact there isn’t a cure at all.
The more severe the problem, the more likely it will take a number of different interventions working together at different levels to get on top of it and maintain it.
At some point in time the acne will resolve itself but when that happens is a complete unknown.
Medically speaking, Savaş says that adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teenage acne: excess skin oil and bacteria.
They add: ‘This can also be due to fluctuating hormones, including during pregnancy and menstruation, and the environment of the skin which can trigger excess oil causing acne.
‘Emotional and physical stress can also affect adult acne.’
How can you treat adult acne?
Acne can come and go on its own, but that doesn’t make it easier to deal with flare-ups.
Everyone is different, and what works for your friend may not work for you, so we asked our three experts for their advice to get a range of tips.
Savaş explained that a structured skincare routine is crucial, but it’s vital not to overdo it as ‘using several different products on your skin can cause more breakouts and irritation’.
Before you go trying loads of new products, learn what your skin type is. Then, they suggest cleaning twice daily with cold water or a gel-based, surfactant-free cleanser.
They add: ‘Make sure the product you are using is fragrance and oil-free, especially if you have sensitive skin as fragranced products can result in stinging sensation and allergies while oil in the product can clog pores and cause acne over time.’
Top tips with Elizabeth Rimmer
- Wash your face morning and evening with a gentle perfume-free cleanser and tepid water for one full minute, then pat dry with clean kitchen paper.
- Keep water temperature down generally for showering, bathing and avoid steaming – heat stimulates oil, which is a factor in acne.
- Avoid using any oil-based product on your skin, including opting for mineral makeup.
- Try to reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Carbs are really important so don’t cut them out completely but don’t overload on them as they will trigger insulin release and antagonise acne tendencies.
- Mild acne will respond well to good quality medical skincare. Over the counter skin care does not contain the same level of active ingredients and does not come with the advice and support of an expert.
- Moderate to severe acne will need skincare but you may also need to consider adding other layers – in-clinic treatments such as LED and peels. In some cases, medications may also be recommended.
Dr Ross Perry also believes in the importance of ‘cleansing your skin thoroughly morning and night to get rid of any dirt and debris’.
The sheer amount of cleansing lotions, gels, and foams, leave-on products and specific acne skin kits are overwhelming.
Some work by killing the bacteria that cause acne inflammation whilst others remove excess oil from the skin or speed up the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells.
It’s important to buy the right one for your skin, but Ross recommends looking out for ones with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, ‘which all help to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, eliminating them from the surface of your skin’, followed by a gentle oil-free moisturize (if your skin is oily).
Be patient, Ross adds, as products might not work overnight.
There’s a bunch of (pricey) private treatments out there, like laser.
If your acne is moderate to severe and over-the-counter products haven’t worked then your GP may be able to prescribe medications such as topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, antibiotic tablets or isotretinoin tablets – but these may not work, and come with certain side effects.
Meanwhile, we know it’s tempting but try not to keep touching your face. ‘Especially your chin, which naturally produces more oil and sebum, and definitely don’t squeeze,’ he adds.
‘If the skin is red and angry you might want to try dabbing on some tea tree oil or witch hazel to soothe it.’
Finally, be sure to load up on an oil-free daily SPF30 which is non-greasy as the sun can also cause breakouts, Dr Ross adds.
Soothing acne doesn’t stop with the skin. Diet and lifestyle can have a huge impact too.
‘Eating a good well-balanced diet consisting of leafy greens, fish and probiotics will also help,’ Dr Ross continues.
‘Getting plenty of sleep, drinking at least 8 glasses of water and ditching alcohol and cigarettes is all common lifestyle advice for clearer better skin.’
Finally, if acne is making you depressed or anxious don’t hesitate in visiting your GP.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : Woman who suffered with severe acne for years reveals how new skincare regime ‘changed her life’
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MORE : Adult acne left me self-conscious and paranoid
FAQs
How do you deal with adult acne? ›
Regular cleansing, twice a day, is ideal for removing those layers of old oil and makeup. I often recommend a topical retinoid cream to unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. Retinoids also have some anti-inflammatory effects, and they increase the rate at which our skin cells divide. This helps to heal the skin faster.
How do you mentally overcome acne? ›Take care of yourself.
"Eating well, exercising, and getting adequate sleep will help your skin and make you feel better about yourself," says San Diego dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD. "Also, there have been many studies that show regular meditation can reduce anxiety and improve one's sense of well-being."
- Excess oil (sebum) production.
- Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells.
- Bacteria.
- Inflammation.
The unfortunately simple reason your acne isn't going away is that you're using the wrong treatment. Acne has several causes, but the mechanisms behind those causes can vary widely, from hormonal and dietary influences, to how much time you spend in the sun and whether you're on birth control.
How do adults get rid of hormonal acne? ›- Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).
- Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
- Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).
- Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).
You can tell if acne is hormonal or bacteria by its severity if flare-ups occur during hormonal imbalances, and whether topical treatments resolve the issues, or if systemic medications are needed.
What foods cause acne in adults? ›Nutritionists Reveal Which Foods Affect Your Acne - YouTube
Does adult acne go away? ›On its own, acne does seem to go away with age. According to one study, acne becomes less common after age 44. And for some women, acne ends with menopause. Until then, fortunately, there are treatments for adult acne.
How do I get rid of acne when nothing else works? ›- Cut down on sugar and dairy. ...
- Avoid touching your face. ...
- Incorporate benzoyl peroxide into your skincare routine. ...
- Gets lots of sleep. ...
- Change your bedding. ...
- Clean your makeup brushes. ...
- Rethink your makeup products. ...
- Exercise more.
If you have acne that just won't go away, you may want to take a closer look at your skin. It's possible that you don't have acne. Other skin conditions can look a lot like acne. Stubborn acne can also be a sign of something serious going on inside your body.
What is the last stage of acne? ›
Stage 4: Severe acne
In the most severe stage, acne becomes extremely painful. There will be numerous pustules, cysts, papules and nodules in the affected area or on various parts of the body.
- Nurture Your Talents. Instead of focusing on your skin, concentrate on the things that make you wonderful and unique. ...
- Spend Time With People Who Make You Feel Good. ...
- Focus on the Positive. ...
- Bonus Tips.
- Be Patient with Acne Treatment. First thing's first: if you're struggling with acne, it's important to seek professional treatment. ...
- Keep Things in Perspective. ...
- Don't Let Acne Hold You Back. ...
- Talk to Others Who Struggle with Their Skin. ...
- Focus on the Positives.
In research studies, people with acne have said that their skin makes them feel unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious. These feelings can cause some teens to avoid trying out for sports, getting a part-time job, or participating in class. Some people say that having acne makes them feel on edge.
Does hormonal acne ever go away? ›The severity of the symptoms of hormonal acne are different for everyone. If you develop acne during puberty, it tends to peak at age 17-19 and for most people will go away by their mid-20s. However, some people continue to suffer from acne into their 40s.
Which hormone is responsible for acne in females? ›Androgens represent the most important of all hormones regulating sebum production. As of puberty, androgens stimulate sebum production and acne formation in both sexes.
How can I balance my hormonal acne naturally? ›Following a nutrient-dense diet, cutting out dairy, and limiting added sugars are evidence-based practices that may improve acne symptoms. Taking certain supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are other healthy ways to fight this disease.
Does vitamin D help with acne? ›Vitamin D also has an anti-inflammatory property. Having adequate levels of vitamin D in your system may help address the inflammatory symptoms of acne. Taking vitamin D supplements could also be an alternative way of treating recurrent acne that appears red and inflamed.
What foods get rid of hormonal acne? ›- fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines.
- pastured eggs.
- soybeans and soy products, such as tofu.
- spinach and kale.
- navy beans.
- grass-fed beef.
- nuts, such as walnuts and almonds.
- flaxseeds.
- Exfoliate with double-duty cleansers or creams with acids. ...
- Think about getting an oil-free cleanser. ...
- Speaking of moisturizing, look to nighttime-targeted products that work while you sleep. ...
- Get yourself a retinoid.
How long does hormonal acne last in adults? ›
So while your pimples may disappear in as little as one week, Green says they're likely to return and can even cause permanent scarring if left untreated. "For patients who forgo evaluation and treatment with a dermatologist, their hormonal acne can last for years," she says.
How do I know if my acne is fungal? ›How do I know if I have fungal acne? The most common symptom that you'll notice is itchiness of the bumps. Fungal acne is itchy but never painful, as typical acne can be when a blemish becomes inflamed. Fungal acne can be persistent, worsen with sweating, and flare in hot and humid temperatures.
Why do I still get acne in my 40s? ›When women begin entering menopause, estrogen, the female hormones, decrease while androgen increases. This increase in androgens can lead to acne and other problems. However, there are other lifestyle factors that can play a role in acne risk. Genetics, stress, and sleep problems can all lead to increased breakouts.
Does drinking water help acne? ›Water has many ways in which it can improve your skin, which helps to improve your acne over time. Drinking water has both direct and indirect benefits for treating acne. Firstly, with bacterial acne, water helps to remove toxins and bacteria on the skin, reducing the potential for pore-clogging in the process.
What to drink to get rid of pimples? ›- Green Tea. Green tea is one of the most popular morning drinks and one of the most effective beverages for fighting acne. ...
- Coffee. ...
- Coconut Water. ...
- Lemon Water And Honey. ...
- Kale Green Juice. ...
- Pomegranate Juice. ...
- Turmeric Milk. ...
- Aloe Vera Juice.
Most of the time adult acne is due to one of the following factors: Fluctuating hormones. Hormonal factors related to estrogen and progesterone are common in female acne, including changes in hormones due to pregnancy and menopause.
What food causes acne? ›Sugar and Some Carbs
You're more likely to have acne if your diet is full of foods and drinks like soda, white bread, white rice, and cake. The sugar and carbohydrates in these foods tend to get into your blood really quickly. That means they are high on the glycemic index, a measure of how foods affect blood sugar.
Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
What does stress acne look like? ›Given the increase in oil production, she says your skin will usually look greasier and slightly more inflamed. Zeichner adds that stress acne can also look like a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and pus pimples.
How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial? ›You can tell if acne is hormonal or bacteria by its severity if flare-ups occur during hormonal imbalances, and whether topical treatments resolve the issues, or if systemic medications are needed.
Why do I still have acne at 30? ›
What causes acne in your 30s? “As we age, our body also goes through many changes,” Suarez says, “and hormonal shifts are the main cause of adult acne.” As a result, skin is more vulnerable to hormone changes as an adult. Hormonal changes increase oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
What does hormonal acne look like? ›What does hormonal acne look like? Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules are all common hormonal acne symptoms. Normally, whiteheads and blackheads do not cause pain, inflammation or swelling, but if they do, then they are most likely forming into cysts and pustules.
Does overthinking cause pimples? ›While stress alone isn't the cause of acne pimples — age, hormones, acne-producing bacteria and other factors are at play — it's evident that stress can trigger breakouts and make existing acne issues worse.
Why is my acne getting worse? ›Skincare – applying the wrong skincare (e.g. if oily skin type and applying heavy moisturiser containing comedogenic ingredients such as oils) can lead to worsening of your acne. Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, diet can all influence acne too.
How long does hormonal acne last in adults? ›So while your pimples may disappear in as little as one week, Green says they're likely to return and can even cause permanent scarring if left untreated. "For patients who forgo evaluation and treatment with a dermatologist, their hormonal acne can last for years," she says.
What products are best for hormonal acne? ›- Exposed Skincare Basic Kits.
- Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment.
- Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser.
- Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication.
- Peach & Lily Pore Proof Perfecting Clay Mask.
When women begin entering menopause, estrogen, the female hormones, decrease while androgen increases. This increase in androgens can lead to acne and other problems. However, there are other lifestyle factors that can play a role in acne risk. Genetics, stress, and sleep problems can all lead to increased breakouts.
What disease causes acne? ›Excess production of hormones, specifically androgens, GH, IGF-1, insulin, CRH, and glucocorticoids, is associated with increased rates of acne development. Acne may be a feature in many endocrine disorders, including polycystic ovary disease, Cushing syndrome, CAH, androgen-secreting tumors, and acromegaly.
How do you treat acne in your 40s? ›- Exfoliate with double-duty cleansers or creams with acids. ...
- Think about getting an oil-free cleanser. ...
- Speaking of moisturizing, look to nighttime-targeted products that work while you sleep. ...
- Get yourself a retinoid.
Menopause and Hormonal Acne
As your estrogen levels decrease, your balance of androgens to estrogenic hormones can cause your body to create more sebum. If you're acne prone, this can lead to everything from a few occasional pimples to severe and regular acne outbreaks.
What is fungal acne? ›
Fungal acne is an overgrowth of yeast within the hair follicles. Sebaceous glands within your skin produce an oil called “sebum.” These glands can overproduce oil, and your pores and hair follicles can become clogged with oil as well as bacteria and yeast that are naturally found on your skin.
Which hormone causes acne in females? ›Androgens represent the most important of all hormones regulating sebum production. As of puberty, androgens stimulate sebum production and acne formation in both sexes. This androgen-dependent secretion of sebum is mediated by potent androgens such as testosterone and DHT and likewise with weaker androgens.