You're an Adult, So Why Do You Still Have Acne?

Unfortunately, waving goodbye to puberty doesn’t always mean your skin reverts to that flawless complexion of childhood. Acne can, in fact, plague skin of all ages. The good news? Dermatologists are better equipped than ever to successfully treat this frustratingly common skin condition.

Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery is a full-service dermatologic practice, and we work with patients of all ages in and around our community of Chula Vista, California. 

Board-certified dermatologist and surgical expert, Dr. Alexander Stein and our team successfully combine expert medical care with patient comfort, education, and satisfaction to treat a wide variety of conditions that affect your skin’s health and appearance.

Learn how our top-level medical practice tackles adult acne.

Understanding acne

Acne is more common in adolescents than adults, but many of the same issues that contribute to acne during your teen years can cause breakouts into your 20s, 30s, and even 50s. Many women with adult-onset acne, in fact, experience their first outbreak during menopause.

The whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and cystic lesions that are common with acne are caused by:

These same conditions lead to adult acne (identified as acne that continues or occurs after age 25) but are often influenced by age-related skin changes that may not respond to treatments that worked well during adolescence.

What causes adult acne?     

Underlying factors that influence the occurrence of adult acne include:

Note that women are more likely than men to develop adult acne. This is likely due to fluctuating hormone levels experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Research is ongoing, but a recent study summarized in the National Library of Medicine indicates that diet may also influence adult acne. This study found that adults with acne tended to consume more sugary and high-fat foods.

The research results of this specific study are certainly not conclusive. We do know, however, that a nutritionally sound diet can have a positive impact on reducing inflammation, maintaining consistent blood sugar levels, and other factors that can affect your skin’s health.  

Treating adult acne

For the most effective treatment, Dr. Stein begins your care with a thorough evaluation that’s designed to help identify the underlying influencers of your acne before developing a customized plan. 

Your options may include one, several, or a combination of:

The innovative acne remedies we offer are selected according to their efficacy, patient safety and comfort, and Dr. Stein’s exacting medical standards. 

As part of our comprehensive approach to skin care, treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling address current acne eruptions as well as the scarring, hyperpigmentation, and other cosmetic concerns linked to previous outbreaks.

Schedule a visit with us at Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery for all your skin care needs, including the most effective treatments available for adult-onset acne. You can call our office or get started here on the website with the “request appointment” button.

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