Why Do I Still Get Acne and How Can I Get Rid of It?

Getting acne as a teenager is bad enough, but when you’re an adult, you expect it to be over. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as acne affects plenty of adults. You can develop acne well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond for a variety of reasons. 

At The NP Next Door, board-certified nurse practitioner Kim Delaney offers personalized, in-home aesthetics and wellness services in and around Orlando, Florida, and telehealth appointments for all Florida residents for common conditions like acne.

Here, she looks at why adult acne happens and what you can do about those pesky zits. 

What causes adult acne?

Whether you’re experiencing occasional breakouts or stubborn acne that won’t disappear, here’s how to understand what’s going on with your skin and how to clear it up. 

Hormones 

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate at all stages of life, but there are times when they’re especially chaotic. For example, pregnancy, perimenopause, menstruation, or stopping birth control can stimulate oil glands and lead to breakouts. 

Stress 

Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which can trigger increased oil production and cause breakouts. 

Skin products 

Makeup, skin care products, and sunscreen can clog pores and worsen breakouts. 

Diet and lifestyle 

Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, might make you more prone to acne breakouts. Research suggests that reducing dairy and refined carbs in your diet can improve your skin. 

Over-the-counter products may not be enough 

If drugstore acne treatments haven’t helped, it’s likely they aren’t treating the source. Typical over-the-counter products use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to unclog pores and clean skin, but they don’t address hormonal or other underlying causes. 

Additionally, these treatments can irritate your skin and make your acne worse. 

Effective adult acne treatments 

At The NP Next Door, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your skin. We may recommend: 

Topical retinoids 

Prescription-strength retinoid creams can help prevent clogged pores, improve cell turnover, and reduce inflammation. 

Oral medications

Depending on the cause of your acne, we might recommend an oral medication to balance your hormones and reduce your body’s excess oil production. 

Medical facials and chemical peels 

Professional treatments can exfoliate deeply, reduce scarring, and control oil production without damaging your skin. 

Laser and light therapies 

Blue light or intense pulsed light (IPL) targets bacteria and inflammation to support overall skin healing. 

What’s next? 

Acne can be frustrating, but you don’t have to battle it alone. If you’re tired of fighting breakouts, it may be time for a custom approach. Schedule a consultation today with The NP Next Door to find a solution that works for your skin.