The causes of adult acne

So you thought you got through puberty and the acne that comes with it and came out the other side, right? Sadly, adult acne is much more common than people are led to believe. However, what is interesting is that often the adult acne and the acne you experience as a teenager have the same causes and aggravators. We spoke to Natasha Cook, Dermatologist MBBS [Hons] FACD and Founder of brand, Dr Natasha Cook™Cosmeceuticals, about the causes of adult acne and the best way to go about getting rid of it fast.
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What causes adult acne?
The main causes of adult acne are surprisingly similar to those of teenage acne, Cook explains. Hormones and genetics remain the major culprits, with aggravators including a high sugar diet and stress, “stress is a BIG aggravator,” says Cook.
Other causes however, Dr Cook notes include “using the wrong skincare is a BIG one! As a dermatologist I see so many problems related to what people use for their acne, which in 90% of cases actually makes it worse.”
What products and ingredients are right to treat it?
The products and ingredients to look for when it comes to treating adult acne, are similar, if not the same as what you would use to treat teenage acne. “This is one of the myths when it comes to skincare. The idea that if you are at a different age or stage, race or gender, you need a specific treatment for your skin. In most cases this is not accurate, and the same ingredients and routine will work for someone who is 16 or 50. It gets tricky when there are more complex underlying issues that need to be diagnosed by a specialist,” she says.
The first step is finding the right cleanser, says Cook. “It should be gentle...nothing that foams or has scrub like beads. Over cleansing and using the wrong cleanser will make acne worse,” she says. bh loves: Skinstitut Gentle Cleanser (find it at adorebeauty.com.au) and Avène Gentle Milk Cleanse
When it comes to ingredients, you can’t go past niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3). “[This] is incredible for acne-prone skin,” says Dr Cook. “Look for either a moisturiser or serum with five per cent or more niacinamide. It calms the oil glands, reducing the sebum production and is an incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, so will calm breakouts and speed up the recovery process.” bh loves: Paula’s Choice RESIST 10% Niacinamide Booster and Verso Hydration Serum (find it at mecca.com.au)
Another ingredient to add to the list is salicylic acid. Working to dissolve blackheads and whiteheads, as well as preventing them from forming in the first place, salicylic acid unclogs pores. It also has anti-ageing benefits. bh loves: Dr Natasha Cook™ Cosmeceuticals Concentrated Clarifier (find it at drnatashacook.com) and Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel
“The key to treating acne regardless of your age is the right routine and clinical strength concentrations of specific ingredients. Routine and consistency are everything. If you don’t use it, you will lose it! It’s a daily regimen that will only deliver results if you are consistent,” says Cook.
Main image credit @victoriabeckham
Do you suffer from adult acne? How do you treat it?
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84 Member Comments
Niacinamide has been showing up on articles lately. I should give it a try for once.
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Great tips! thank you so much Helpful for those who affected.
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For me, I know washing makeup brushes and changing sheets and pillow cases regularly helps prevent breakouts. Along with staying hydrated and looking after my skin moisture barrier.
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Hi angie, how often do you wash your sheets and pillow cases? I wash weekly but still find I get acne on the side of my face I sleep on :(
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I pretty much do it weekly too, but I recently bought some more pillowcases so I can change at least them more often. Ideally I would change my pillow case daily or every two days, but who has that many pillowcases? Lol
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Great article hope it helps people who have acne, luckily I only get breakouts here and there
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The same symptoms no matter what age? Very interesting.
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I read an article in the newspaper recently which said high sugar in the diet has nothing to do with pimples. Too many contradictions and differing opinions!
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Dermatologist Andrea Suarez aka Dr Dray on YouTube has an interesting segment on acne diets.
There is evidence that a low GI Mediterranean diet helps.
You should check it out if interested and you have time...
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I used to have major acne as a teenager but now I suffer from it a lot less, thankfully. Finding a simple, gentle cleansing routine is what really helped.
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I used to breakout so much back in high school, but this has reduced in my 20s. I put it down to my diet change. Without it, my skin would be the same. It all starts from the inside!
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Thankfully I've never had this problem.
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Helpful for those who affected. I get the odd few breakouts but not that often
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This is amazing!
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acne stays longer than we think
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Stress and poor diet definitely a contributor to my adult acne and niacinamide is a lifesaver.
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Omg acne article 2941 in 2 weeks :( some variety would be nice!
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I dont really have this problem but my youngest daughter does so im passing this article on to her. At the moment shes at war with her skin and its driving her crazy.
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Yes and this is a wonderfully informative article, thanks.
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Think I’ll still have pimples and blackheads into my 80’s!
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But I love scrubs! They keep my blackheads at bay!
I love salicylic acid too. I haven't tried niacinamide.
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For me my acne was caused by my health issues and stress. I found that taking borage seed oil helped with balancing my hormones
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