If you thought acne was something you only had to deal with in your teen years, think again. Or maybe you never had a problem with breakouts as a teen and now, bam, acne decides to show up in your 20s, 30s, or even beyond. We get it — it’s confusing, frustrating, and honestly, a little unfair.
At Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic, we meet so many people who thought their acne days were behind them, only to find that breakouts are still very much a part of adult life. So, let’s get into why acne might be sticking around (or even showing up) long after puberty and, of course, what you can do about it.
1. Hormones: Not Just a Teen Thing
We all know hormones are behind most of the acne drama during our teenage years, but they’re not exclusive to adolescence. For women, hormonal shifts throughout adulthood — whether it’s related to your period, pregnancy, menopause or conditions like PCOS — can trigger the oil glands in your skin to go into overdrive, causing clogged pores and breakouts.
And guys, don’t think you’re off the hook. Hormonal fluctuations in men can also lead to increased oil production, which can easily lead to acne. So if you thought you were safe once you hit your 20s, think again. Hormones don’t care how old you are!
2. Stress: The Acne into Adulthood Trigger
Adult life = stress. We’ve got jobs, relationships, bills, and so much more to juggle. And guess what? Stress is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for acne. When stress hits, your body releases more cortisol (the stress hormone), which triggers oil production in your skin. That extra oil? It can clog pores and cause pimples. So, yes, that presentation at work or family drama might actually be showing up on your face.
Managing stress isn’t just great for your mental health — it can help you keep your skin clear, too. So maybe take a break, try some yoga, or just chill out for a bit. Your skin will thank you.
3. Diet: What You’re Eating Might Be Feeding Your Breakouts
As adults, we have the power to choose what we eat — but some of our favorite foods (hello, pizza, sushi, and dairy) might be contributing to those breakouts. High-glycemic foods like refined carbs and sugar can spike your insulin levels, which leads to increased oil production and inflammation in your skin.
While we’d love to say that chocolate is completely to blame, it’s really the combination of foods we’re eating regularly that could be affecting your skin. Cutting back on sugar, dairy and soy can make a huge difference (for a personalized analysis of your diet, please schedule a consultation).
4. Old Skin Damage Reaching Its Breaking Point
For some of us, acne in adulthood can actually be a result of lingering skin issues from the past. Maybe your teenage acne wasn’t treated properly, or maybe you weren’t as diligent about sun protection. The damage from those missed steps can come back to haunt you in your adult years. That old acne scarring might still be bothering you.
Don’t stress — treatments like chemical peels (offered at Beach Beauty Bar) can help clear up old acne scars and bring your skin back to life. It’s never too late to fix the past!
5. Wrong Skincare Products: You Can’t Keep Using What You Used In High School
When we were teens, we didn’t exactly have a skincare routine. We’d grab whatever soap or face wash was nearby and call it a day. But as adults, your skin changes, and your routine should, too. We hear it often. New clients tell us that they shouldn’t be breaking out from their skincare because they’ve been using it forever and never broke out before. However, when your hormones fluctuate, you may not be able to use your former skincare.
At Beach Beauty Bar, we work with you to build a customized skincare routine that suits your skin’s needs right now, not what it needed years ago. Think gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and the perfect acne-fighting ingredients to keep your skin clear and glowing.
6. Underlying Health Issues: Sometimes It’s More Than Skin Deep
If acne into adulthood (in your 30’s, 40’s or even 50’s) has suddenly appeared, it could be a sign of something more. Hormonal changes or conditions like PCOS or stress-induced conditions can affect your skin. If your acne isn’t responding to typical treatments or if it’s popping up in specific areas (like your chin or jawline), it’s time to work with some acne experts (like us!)
How to Kick Acne to the Curb (for Good!)
If you’re tired of dealing with adult acne, it’s time to do something about it. At Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic, we get that adult acne can be a total mood-killer, but we’re here to help you tackle it head-on. Our treatments include:
- Professional Facials & Extractions: We’ll help clear those clogged pores and stop breakouts before they start.
- Chemical Peels: These treatments can target acne scars and prevent future breakouts.
- Personalized Skincare Plans: Let’s ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and create a routine that’s perfect for your skin.
Final Thoughts: Adult Acne Doesn’t Have to Be Your Reality
If you are experiencing acne into adulthood, don’t panic! Whether you thought you were done with it, or it’s just showing up for the first time, adult acne is common, treatable, and not something you have to live with. Let us help you figure out what’s causing your breakouts and create a plan to get your skin back on track.
Book a consultation with us at Beach Beauty Bar and Acne Clinic today, and let’s work together to get you the clear, healthy skin you deserve — no matter your age.
Cheers to clear!
Joyce