Adult acne can be frustrating, embarrassing, and difficult to manage on your own. You may have thought breakouts were just for teenagers — but many adults experience acne in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s.
So, what causes it? And more importantly — what can you do about it?
Read on as our team explains what causes acne and how acne treatments at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, can help.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting over 50 million Americans each year. While most people associate acne with whiteheads, there are several other types, including blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules.
Adult acne is any type that persists beyond the teen and young adult years.
Several factors can contribute to acne in adults. Understanding what’s going on is the first step to treating it effectively.
Fluctuations in hormones — especially androgens — can trigger excess oil production, clog your pores, and lead to breakouts. That affects women particularly due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
About 20% of women without PCOS have acne, but the number is more than double (43%) for those with PCOS. Men can experience hormonal acne, too, especially if they take testosterone replacement therapy.
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood; it also prompts your body to produce more cortisol. While that doesn’t directly cause acne, stress can increase oil production and inflammation, making acne worse.
Heavy face creams, oily makeup, or any skin care product not labeled noncomedogenic can clog your pores and lead to acne. Acne from pore-clogging products should clear up once you swap out your products.
Acne can develop as a side effect of certain medications, including corticosteroids, lithium, and anticonvulsants. If you suspect your medication causes acne, don’t stop taking it or alter your dose. Instead, speak with your prescribing provider about your concerns.
We hear this question a lot. But, no, food itself doesn’t cause acne. Many old wives’ tales claim that chocolate, pizza, or even olive oil can cause acne flare-ups.
While no single food directly causes acne — and there’s no magic food that clears it up — there’s some truth to the benefits of a low-glycemic, minimally processed diet. The typical Western diet is linked to increased inflammation, which may worsen chronic acne.
At Select Family Practice and Urgent Care, our care team offers personalized exams and treatments designed to get to the root of your acne. We work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.
Here’s what you can expect:
Your visit starts with a thorough skin exam because some skin conditions, like rosacea and folliculitis, can also cause pimple-like pumps.
Reza Hatefi, PA-C, who has extensive experience in dermatology, may also recommend blood work to check for hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions that could contribute to your breakouts.
Once Mr. Hatefi determines the source of your acne, he may recommend:
Mr. Hatefi can also provide at-home skin care guidance to help your skin stay healthy.
Acne treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. That’s why we suggest regular follow-up appointments with Mr. Hatefi. He monitors your progress, adjusts prescriptions if needed, and ensures you get the best possible results over time.
In addition to ongoing support for acne, our primary care providers can help you manage hormonal conditions or other conditions that contribute to your acne.
Adult acne can take a toll on your self-esteem, but help is available. At Select Family Practice and Urgent Care, we support you every step of the way — from diagnosis to clearer, healthier skin. Call today for a personalized acne consultation or request an appointment online.
