July 13, 2022

| perri dermatology
Medically reviewed by Anthony J. Perri, M.D.

When people think of acne, they usually don’t think of adults. However, adult acne is more common than you think. It can be brought on by genetics, stress, hormone levels and by the products we use. Even though it can be frustrating, knowing the cause of adult acne will help you treat it. Here is more about adult acne: 

Why?

Most people get acne when they are going through puberty, but in some cases, acne can occur in adults ranging from ages 30-50. But what causes it? Many things can cause adult acne, such as genetics, stress, hormone levels and products. 

Genetics

Studies have shown that acne is genetic, meaning that if someone in your family is prone to acne, you may be prone to it as well, even in your adult age. 

Stress

When people get stressed, their bodies produce a hormone that causes acne flare ups. This could be why you are seeing acne as an adult. The best way to identify if the acne is stress induced is to remove the stressor from your life and see if you still have acne. 

Hormone Levels

Our bodies go through many hormonal changes throughout our life, which is why during puberty we tend to see acne. Just like when you are going through puberty, when we get to a certain age, our hormones change, thus causing acne. Many women who are going through menopause can tend to see acne due to the hormonal changes. 

Products

Some products that we use every day such as face wash, shampoo, laundry detergent or lotion can contain certain chemicals that cause acne. If you think that your acne is caused by a product, look at all the ingredients and do some research. This can be different for everyone. 

Treatment

Depending on the cause of the acne, it can most likely be treated. Treatment can include a change in lifestyle, products or sometimes medical attention. If you are not seeing any changes or your acne has gotten worse, you may need to see your doctor. 

If you have additional questions about the skin conditions mentioned or have a concern regarding your current condition, contact our team today! Unsure if your insurance will cover your visit? Check out our insurance coverage page for a list of accepted insurance companies so you know beforehand if you’re covered.