Health Center - Skin Health
Ever notice how whatever is going on in your life seems to show on your skin? That’s because whatever goes on inside your body shows up on the outside. Diet, exercise and hydration are as important as good skin care. Get tips for keeping your skin healthy and glowing, whatever your age.
Skin Health Guide
The Facts on Adult Acne
What is adult acne?
Many women think of acne as something they bid farewell to with adolescence. But actually, a significant number of women over the age of 25 years experience adult acne. Because you have acne as an adult, it can be frustrating and embarrassing, but rest assured that adult acne is quite common. Adult acne can be divided into two general types: persistent and late-onset acne. Persistent acne is acne that continues from adolescence into adulthood. Patients tend to have lesions most days and may experience flare-ups before their menstrual cycles. Late-onset acne appears for the first time in adulthood and falls into two categories. Chin acne is concentrated in the mouth area and tends to flare premenstrually. Sporadic acne tends to appear and die down suddenly, with no apparent reason.
What causes adult acne?
The causes of adult acne are not entirely clear. It may be linked to the behavior of certain sex hormones, particularly those called androgens, which control excretion from the oil-producing sebaceous glands. Other possible triggers include smoking, cosmetic use, stress or taking certain medications such as those used to treat epilepsy or depression. Some women may also have a genetic predisposition to the condition.
print and go
Click here for a printable list of questions to ask your dermatologist about adult acne.
survey results
Read about what approximately 1,000 readers told HealthyWomen about their experience with adult female acne.
