7 Causes of Adult Acne

What a drag! There’s nothing more disappointing than waiting until your 20s to finally have clear skin only to learn your breakouts don’t necessarily end when your teenage years do. Coming to terms with adult acne is difficult, but rest assure you aren’t the only grown-up dealing with zits.

Dealing with acne AND wrinkles just seems wrong but knowing what’s causing your complexion woes can help clear up your skin and keep breakouts at bay. Here are the 7 causes of Adult Acne.

1. Hormones: Fluctuation in hormones is the main cause of adult acne, specifically androgens (male hormones) like testosterone. This usually appears in the form of deep (painful) cystic acne around the chin, neck and back.

2. Stress: Stress causes an organ called the adrenal gland that makes the stress hormone cortisol and puts it out into the body to help the body deal with stress. Unfortunately, a tiny bit of testosterone leaks out with it. This male hormone can drive the oil glands to producer more oil – the root cause of breakouts.

3. Pollution: Believe it or not, air pollution puts a layer on your face especially if you live in the city. If you don’t believe us… when you get home wipe your face with a toner pad or face wipe and see what color it is. YUCK!

4. Wrong products: If you have oily or combination skin and are prone to breakouts, you should be using skincare products labeled “oil-free”, “non-comedogenic” or “water-based”. Just one of these will ensure that the lotion you’re putting on isn’t going to clog your pores and make matters worse.

5. Cleansing too much: Over washing your face can make acne worse. Cleansing more than twice a day is too much and can just dry out skin which can produce more oil to overcompensate.

6. Wrong food: If you break out when you eat chocolate, don’t eat it. While certain foods are rumored to cause acne like chocolate, fried foods, pizza etc, studies don’t support this theory. But if you notice a breakout after you eat them… don’t. There is one food to avoid… IODINE. Iodine causes acne in everyone if you eat enough. You can find it in shellfish and some greens like kelp and spinach.

7. Sugar: It raises your insulin level. More and more evidence shows that insulin may boost those oil-triggering male hormones. Stick to low-glycemic foods. One that have complex carbs like whole grains, which break down slower in the body and cause less of an insulin spike.

If you suffer from adult acne and need help finding a treatment, call DermDox Dermatology at 570.459.0029. Immediate appointments are available and most insurance plans are accepted.