Adult Acne: Why Do I Still Get Breakouts and What Can I Do About It?

Being a teenager can be challenging, and adulthood is often a welcome transition. But for some, acne follows you into your 20s and beyond. It’s also possible to experience acne as an adult, even if you didn’t have breakouts during your teens. 

Fortunately, help is available through the care of Karen Stolman, MD, Steven Kern, MD, and Jessica Collins, DO, at Park City Dermatology in Park City and Heber City, Utah. Our team offers a range of treatments that can help you find lasting relief from acne breakouts. 

Why now? Understanding the cause of adult acne

If you’re wondering why you’re seeing acne breakouts long after your teenage years, you aren’t alone. Many people experience acne in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Here’s why acne can develop at any age. 

Fluctuating hormones are a leading cause of acne. Teenagers go through puberty and its hormonal turmoil. But you can also experience hormonal shifts during adulthood. For women, hormones can shift during your period, while pregnant, or as you near or enter menopause. 

Both men and women can experience hormonal changes due to stress. That’s why you may notice an uptick in breakouts during times of high stress at home or work. Certain medications and underlying health conditions can also increase your acne risk.

If you have a family history of acne, you carry an elevated risk of acne as an adult. The products you use on your skin can also cause or worsen acne by clogging your pores.

How to control acne on your own

You can take steps to reduce your acne risk and control outbreaks. Begin by assessing the products you use. When choosing moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens, look for non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, or oil-free products. 

Also, avoid the urge to respond to a breakout by aggressively scrubbing or exfoliating your skin. That can trigger more oil production, making matters worse. Gentle cleansing and chemical exfoliation are your best bets. 

If you suspect a health issue or medication is leading to breakouts, ask your primary care provider about other treatment options that won’t have similar effects on your skin. 

Professional dermatology treatments can help

If you can’t control acne on your own, professional treatments can help. At Park City Dermatology, the first step is a thorough skin assessment and discussion of your experience with acne. 

Specialized facials can soothe inflamed skin and reduce breakouts. Chemical peels use a powerful chemical solution to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and impurities. 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments use advanced technology to direct light into the deeper layers of your skin. That light targets the discoloration of acne breakouts, working to destroy the bacteria that cause acne. 

Laser treatments like AviClear™ help your skin produce less oil. Sessions aren’t painful, and you can see improvement quickly. 

Medications can help clear your skin from within. Acne medications like Accutane® carry a risk of side effects, so your practitioner carefully reviews your health history to ensure that drug therapy fits your needs and goals. 

Don’t postpone treatment

Don’t wait to explore treatment options for adult acne. Acne lesions can lead to scarring, which can mar the appearance and texture of your skin. There are many paths to clear skin, no matter your age. 

When you’re ready to find a solution, the team at Park City Dermatology is here to help. Call the office near you or book your visit online today.