Acne: Not Just for Teens

All those adolescent worries – prom, pop quizzes, driver’s ed. – are distant memories, right? Perhaps not, when it comes to one frequent teen concern: acne.

“Acne is becoming more common among adults,” says family medicine physician Lindsay Hughes, DO, with LVPG Family Medicine–Wind Gap. In fact, research suggests that about 50 percent of adults older than age 25 have acne.

“Whiteheads, blackheads and other types of acne occur when skin glands become plugged with oil and bacteria,” Dr. Hughes says. “They commonly appear on the face, chest, neck and back.”

Contrary to what many people think, chocolate, greasy foods and lack of washing are usually not to blame for acne. However, hormones, which can affect skin glands, are a major contributor.

“Women, who have higher rates of adult acne than men, may experience hormone fluctuations around their menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause,” she says.

Some experts also blame chronic stress for acne among adults. Stress increases levels of certain hormones.

Other factors that may cause breakouts – or make them worse – include:

• Tight clothes  
• Oil-based lotions and certain cosmetics
• Friction from backpacks or equipment that rubs on skin
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Hard scrubbing of the skin
• Genes

“Whatever the culprit, adults have a lot of options for fighting back,” Dr. Hughes says. “For mild acne, try an over-the-counter treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur or resorcinol.”

With these treatments, it may be a month or two before you notice an improvement. These agents also may cause skin irritations in some people.

Here are some additional strategies for controlling breakouts:

• “Gently wash – don’t scrub – skin in the morning, evening and after heavy exercise,” Dr. Hughes says. “Choose a gentle cleanser, and avoid rough scrubs or pads.”
• Don’t squeeze, pick or pinch blemishes. This can cause scarring and possibly more acne.
• Choose oil-free lotions, sunscreens and cosmetics labeled “noncomedogenic.”

Talk with your doctor or clinician if you have severe acne, or acne that does not respond to the above strategies. “There is a whole range of treatments, including antibiotics and hormones, that may help,” Dr. Hughes says.