When you are a teenager struggling with acne, you tend to be under the assumption that things will get better as you age. However, as an adult, you have most likely come to the realization that you can still get pesky pimples and clogged pores. While it can be tempting to boil the causes of acne down to teenage hormones, it’s important to remember that acne is a complex skin condition that can form for a variety of reasons. Everyone’s acne is unique, so the board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta have compiled some of the top factors we see that contribute to adult acne.

Stress

When you are stressed, the body reacts in a number of ways. Excess anxiety can cause your adrenal glands to stimulate your oil glands and produce more of the stress hormone, cortisol. All these changes can result in skin imbalances which increase your risk of an acne breakout.

Hormones

Fluctuating hormones can occur at any point throughout your life and result in bodily changes such as pH imbalance, inflammation and excess production of oil. This can lead to tender, cyst-like acne breakouts. Hormonal acne can affect anyone, but it is more common in women who are menstruating, in menopause, pregnant, breastfeeding or switching birth control methods.

Skin Irritation

Anything that irritates the skin can lead to inflammation which may ultimately result in acne forming. For example, using razors or harsh exfoliants against dry skin can upset the surface of your skin. Additionally, skincare products, makeup, and hair care products can irritate your skin as well. It’s important to check for the terms “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores” on packaging. If you see any of these phrases, it is unlikely the product you are using is causing acne.

Medical Condition

Aliments that seem unrelated to your skin, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or rosacea, can actually cause acne as a symptom. If you have any underlying health conditions, learning more about how they affect your skin could provide answers about recent acne breakouts. Additionally, some medications have been shown to trigger acne. Using certain contraceptives, antidepressants and epilepsy treatments may result in potential breakouts.

Pinpointing the exact cause of adult acne may seem challenging, but our board-certified experts have decades of experience diagnosing and treating acne conditions. We offer the latest advancements in acne treatment such as antibiotics, topical prescriptions, chemical peels, laser treatment and laser light therapy. To find the acne treatment plan that’s best for you, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Plus, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare insights and monthly specials.