Surprising Causes Of Adult Acne And How To Get Rid Of It

Written by Kinnari AsharMay 11, 2023
Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

If you're struggling with acne prone skin, chances are you've tried a multitude of products to no avail. However, there may be more to treating your acne than just using topical solutions. Understanding the root cause of your acne is essential in finding an effective treatment and developing a skin care routine for acne prone skin. 

Dealing with acne prone skin as an adult can be a challenging and discouraging experience. It's tough to face the fact that breakouts don't necessarily disappear once you leave your teenage years behind. Nevertheless, you're not alone in this journey, and many adults are facing the same challenge of finding the right skin care routine for acne prone skin. 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne: The Basics  

Clogged pores are the main cause of acne. Pores are openings around hair follicles that house sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum to keep skin soft and protected. When dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria clog pores, a pimple may form. Regular cleansing and exfoliation can help prevent acne. But, when the situation is more complicated, it can be frustrating to determine what's causing your breakouts. Understanding the causes can help develop a personalized skin care routine for acne prone skin to achieve clearer, smoother skin.  

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It   

Here are some of the most common causes of adult acne:  

1. Hormonal imbalances 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of adult acne. Changes in your hormone levels can cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Hormonal imbalances can be triggered by stress, certain medications, and fluctuations in your menstrual cycle. Women may experience acne flare-ups during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy due to hormonal changes.  

Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control or other medication that can help balance hormones and control acne. 

  • Follow a consistent skincare routine with gentle, non-comedogenic products. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can irritate the skin and cause more breakouts. 

  • Manage stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other stress-reduction techniques. Stress can trigger hormonal changes that can exacerbate acne.  

If you are looking for a power-packed exfoliator to keep acne at bay, Acne Squad X-Foliating Scrub is the ultimate solution. With the 2% Salicylic Acid formula, this scrub gently and deeply exfoliates your skin to increase cell turnover and promote healthy skin. It unclogs pores and removes excess sebum, leaving you with clear and glowing skin. Its proven technology ensures that you have acne-free skin with a powerful reset. Use it twice a week for ultimate protection against acne

2. Genetics  

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

Unfortunately, genetics can also play a role in adult acne. If your parents had acne and acne prone skin, you may be more prone to breakouts yourself. Studies have shown that genetics may affect the size and function of your sebaceous glands, making you more susceptible to clogged pores and acne

Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Follow a skincare routine with gentle products. Look for products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. 

  • Avoid picking at pimples or touching your face, which can spread bacteria and cause more breakouts. 

  • Consider seeing a dermatologist for personalized treatment options, such as prescription-strength topical or oral medications, chemical peels, or laser therapy.  

Say goodbye to stubborn acne with Acne Squad Breakout Terminator Spot Corrector. This scientifically proven spot corrector is made with a powerful blend of natural ingredients and Salicylic acid that eliminates 99% of acne-causing bacteria, lightens dark spots, and heals blemishes. Infused with Niacinamide, Zinc Sebum, and Shatavari, it unclogs pores, moisturizes your skin, and reduces excess sebum. 

3. Lifestyle factors 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to adult acne and acne prone skin. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to increased inflammation in your body, which can trigger acne. Not getting enough sleep, exercise, and stress management can also affect the health of your skin. Stress can trigger the release of hormones that increase oil production in your skin and lead to breakouts.  

Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Avoid dairy, sugar, and processed foods, which can trigger inflammation and worsen acne. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. 

  • Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins from the body and keep your skin hydrated. 

  • Consider taking supplements like zinc or omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.  

4. Environmental factors 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

Your environment can also lead to acne prone skin and adult acne. Exposure to pollution, humidity, and certain chemicals in the workplace can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. Additionally, using harsh skincare products, such as those containing alcohol or fragrances, can also cause acne.  

Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Protect your skin from sun exposure with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily acne prone skin that won't clog pores. 

  • Avoid using harsh or irritating products, such as alcohol-based toners or astringents, that can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause more breakouts. 

  • Cleanse your skin regularly to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants that can clog pores and cause breakouts. 

  • Use a humidifier in dry environments to keep skin hydrated and prevent dryness, which can exacerbate acne.  

Use the Acne Squad Kick-Start Cleanser to cleanse your face. Infused with salicylic acid and patented Thymol-T Essence, this face wash for acne prone skin is proven to be acne's kryptonite across its lifecycle. Clinically proven to reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe acne in just three days, it's a must-have addition to your skincare routine. This mild, sulfate-free cleanser also removes dead cell buildup, unclogs pores, and restores moisture to leave your skin feeling hydrated and healthy. 

5. Medication 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

Certain medications can cause acne as a side effect. These include corticosteroids, lithium, and some anticonvulsants. If you're taking medication and notice an increase in acne, speak to your doctor about alternatives.  

Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control or other medications that can help regulate hormones. 

  • Use topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. 

  • Keep your skin clean and moisturized to reduce irritation and inflammation.  

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, which can worsen acne and increase the risk of skin damage. 

6. Skincare and makeup products 

Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It

The products you use on your skin can also contribute to acne. Using products that contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients can cause breakouts. Additionally, not properly removing makeup before bed can lead to clogged pores and acne. 
 
Instructions on How to Get Rid of It  

  • Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products that won't clog your pores. 

  • Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying any products. 

  • Avoid using too many products at once and give your skin a break from makeup occasionally. 

  • Remove your makeup before bed to prevent clogged pores and acne. 

The Acne Squad Breakout Terminator Serum is your ultimate solution for acne emergencies. Infused with Thymol T Essence and Salicylic acid, this is the best serum for acne prone skin that helps unclog pores and prevent severe breakouts. Its clinically proven formula reduces excess sebum production within a week while increasing skin's hydration within two weeks. This powerful serum is designed to terminate acne breakouts and leave your skin clear and healthy. 

FAQs about Surprising Causes of Adult Acne and How to Get Rid of It 

Can stress cause adult acne?  

Yes, stress can cause adult acne by triggering hormone imbalances that lead to increased oil production and inflammation. To address stress-related acne, it's important to practice stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, and deep breathing.  

Can changing my diet help reduce adult acne? 

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, some studies have shown that certain dietary changes may help reduce acne. For example, reducing your intake of dairy and high-glycemic foods (like white bread and sugary snacks) may help improve acne symptoms in some people. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet.  

What skincare and makeup products are best for adult acne prone skin?  

Look for non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) products that are labelled "oil-free" or "acne-fighting." Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and exfoliants, and avoid over-washing or using harsh scrubs. Additionally, always remove makeup before going to bed and choose makeup products that are designed for acne prone skin. 

Kinnari Ashar

Written by

A beauty and food enthusiast with a decade of writing experience, Kinnari treats her skincare routine like a sacred ritual and views a gourmet meal as a daily necessity. Balancing her time between uncovering the latest beauty trends and taste-testing culinary delights, she’s always up for trying new products or savouring a delicious dish.
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