Adult Acne – The Why
Some adults experience acne in their 30s, 40s and sometimes well into their 50s, in fact, some people only experience acne for the first time as an adult. Women are more prone to developing adult acne than men because of the hormonal fluctuations they experience throughout their lives, particularly during times such as pregnancy and menopause. However, this is not the only reason why adult acne occurs.
– Stress. A number of researchers have found a link between stress and acne breakouts in adults. When the body experiences high levels of stress on an ongoing basis, it produces more androgens, a type of hormone that stimulates both the hair follicles and oil glands, causing acne to flare up.
– Family History. If you have a blood relative who suffers from acne, it could suggest that you have a genetic predisposition for it.
– New Hair & Skin Products. If you’ve had problems with acne in the past, it’s best to read the labels of any new hair and skin products before you start using them. Look for labels that mention the terms ‘oil-free’, ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic’.
– Medication. Acne can also be a side of effect of several medications. If your skin has changed ever since you’ve started taking a new medication, it might be wise to speak to your doctor about alternatives. If taking a different type of medication is not an option, there are other cosmetic solutions.
– Underlying Medical Conditions. Lastly, acne can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, which will need to be treated before the acne will clear up.