Adult Acne: Causes and Effective Treatments
Suffering from acne during adolescence is common, yet it can be a distressing experience. For some, the challenges of acne don’t end with their teenage years; adult acne is a persistent issue that continues to impact both skin and self-esteem well into adulthood. In fact, nearly one in five women between the ages of 25 and 45 is affected by adult acne. We understand the emotional toll this condition can take, as well as the frustration of managing breakouts alongside other skin concerns that arise with age.
Fortunately, advancements in aesthetic medicine offer numerous effective solutions to tackle adult acne, from targeted treatments that address the underlying causes to personalized skincare regimens designed to reduce breakouts and improve overall skin texture. Whether the cause is hormonal changes, stress, or lifestyle factors, we provide a range of scientifically backed treatments to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin at every stage of life.
What is acne?
Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous follicles caused by the inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the epidermis. These glands may be obstructed by impurities, skin layers, or fatty secretions. Pimples may then form and become infected by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is responsible for acne.
There are two types of adult acne. For people with persistent acne, the condition was already present during adolescence and did not subside in adulthood. This is the most common case. Late-onset acne, meanwhile, appears for the first time after coming of age.
What are the causes of adult acne?
Heredity
Unfortunately, 50% of the people affected are genetically predisposed to acne. In this case, you should choose an effective treatment to get rid of this hereditary affliction.
Hormonal fluctuations
The hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause greatly contribute to the appearance of acne. Oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to women who suffer from it since they contain progestin and estrogen, which can stabilize the hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle.
Taking or going off medication
Going off the birth control pill can be accompanied by more frequent acne outbreaks; the same goes for taking other types of medication, such as those based on lithium, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids.
Stress
Androgens are hormones produced by your body when it experiences moments of anxiety. By stimulating the glands that secrete oil and the hair follicles, these hormones make you more prone to acne.
Your choice of cosmetics
The products needed to care for your face and hair, as well as makeup, may influence the quality of your skin. It’s therefore important to choose non-comedogenic products designed not to obstruct the pores of the skin, such as those from the Functionalab line. Active ingredients such as glycolic acid and zinc can help destroy bacteria and improve healing.
Effective Treatments for Adult Acne
Topical products or systemic medications
A range of topical products is available over the counter, offering effective ingredients like salicylic acid, commonly found in medicated soaps, ointments, and cleansers, to help clear pores and reduce breakouts. For more persistent adult acne, we recommend professional-grade products such as SkinCeuticals' targeted anti-aging and acne treatments, which address acne while improving the skin’s overall appearance.
For more complex or resistant cases of adult acne, systemic medications prescribed by a healthcare provider can offer additional support. Options include antibiotics, such as erythromycin, to control inflammation, vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) to promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores, and hormonal agents to address underlying hormonal imbalances. Together, these treatments provide a multi-faceted approach to controlling acne, calming inflammation, and supporting clearer, more even skin.
Recommended Topical Solutions
SkinCeuticals LHA Serum
This oil-free serum is formulated to combat adult acne and visible signs of aging simultaneously. With powerful ingredients like Dioic Acid, Salicylic Acid, LHA, Glycolic Acid, and Citric Acid, it reduces excess sebum, fights acne formation, and refines the skin’s surface to smooth fine lines and rough texture. Use 4-5 drops once or twice daily on clean, dry skin for optimal results.
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SkinCeuticals LHA Toner
Ideal for oily and combination skin, this exfoliating toner uses LHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to remove surface impurities and excess residue, decongesting pores and leaving skin refreshed. Apply with a cotton ball after cleansing twice daily to maintain a balanced complexion.
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SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel
This exfoliating gel cleanser combines LHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and brighten the skin. Used twice daily, it helps reduce sebum and prepares the skin for further treatment, enhancing the efficacy of subsequent products in your routine.
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Typically, four monthly sessions are recommended to effectively control acne outbreaks and achieve clearer, healthier skin. IPL offers a non-invasive, targeted approach that not only treats current acne but also works to reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups, making it an ideal solution for those with acne-prone skin.
IPL Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a safe and effective alternative to oral antibiotics for treating acne, particularly for those seeking to avoid the harsh side effects often associated with medication. The IPL platform used by our team is designed to target and reduce the visible signs of mild to severe inflammatory acne in just a few sessions. This versatile technology uses a broad-spectrum light source that is adaptable for various skin treatments, including acne management, hair removal, rosacea, and pigmentation.
For acne treatment, IPL operates with specific wavelengths of light that penetrate different depths within the skin. IPL system utilizes three distinct filters:
420 nm (Blue Light): Targets and destroys Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
560 nm (Yellow Light): Reduces inflammation in acne lesions, calming irritated skin and supporting healing.
590 nm (Red Light): Inhibits overactive sebaceous glands, reducing excess oil production, which is a key factor in preventing future breakouts.
Advanced Exfoliation
The Signature Peel is a medical-grade treatment using glycolic acid (AHA), a naturally derived ingredient from sugarcane or fruit acids. This potent exfoliator works on multiple levels of the skin, dissolving fatty molecules and dead skin cells that inhibit hydration and oxygenation. Here are some of the key benefits of the Signature Peel:
Reduces Skin Discoloration: Fades pigmentation associated with sun exposure, leaving a more uniform skin tone.
Refines Skin Texture and Unclogs Pores: Clears pores and smooths the skin surface for a fresh, refined appearance.
Accelerates Skin Renewal: Stimulates the skin’s natural renewal process, supporting a youthful and revitalized look.
Diminishes Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Contributes to anti-aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhances Hydration: Leaves the skin plump, soft, and better able to retain moisture.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing has been a cornerstone in aesthetic medicine for nearly two decades, offering a precise and effective solution for reducing acne scars and improving overall skin texture. This technology creates thousands of microscopic ablation zones within the skin, leaving surrounding tissue untouched to promote faster healing. By stimulating collagen production and cellular renewal, fractional lasers help diminish the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
We offers three main types of fractional resurfacing technologies, each tailored to different skin needs:
Ablative Fractional Lasers: Using high-intensity wavelengths, these lasers target deeper layers of the skin to improve more pronounced acne scars and uneven texture. Because they provide more intensive resurfacing, recovery may take up to two weeks.
Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers: These lasers heat deeper layers of the skin without removing the surface, helping improve mild acne scars, skin tone and texture with less downtime.
Hybrid Lasers: Hybrid lasers combine ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to target different layers of the skin. This approach can address acne scars and surface irregularities while limiting recovery time.
A Holistic Approach to Clear, Radiant Skin
No matter which treatment you choose, a comprehensive approach is key to restoring your skin’s natural radiance. Combining professional clinical treatments with the daily use of targeted skincare products will be your strongest ally in the fight against adult acne and blackheads. We believe in creating a personalized protocol tailored to your skin’s unique needs, ensuring long-lasting results and a healthier, clearer complexion. Embrace a complete skincare journey and enjoy the confidence that comes with beautifully revitalized skin.
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