Why am I getting acne as an adult?
Common reasons adult breakouts change and what you can do about them.
Acne can start for the first time in adulthood or return after years of clear skin. It can also behave differently from the acne you had as a teenager.
What may be causing it
- Hormone changes around your period, pregnancy, birth control, perimenopause, or menopause
- Stress, which can make existing acne flare
- Skin or hair products that clog pores
- A medication side effect
- A family tendency toward adult acne
Sometimes several things are happening at once. A new skincare product may irritate your skin while stress or hormone changes make breakouts worse.
What you can do now
Keep your routine gentle. Wash with a mild cleanser, use products labeled non-comedogenic or "won't clog pores," and avoid scrubbing or picking. Adding several acids, spot treatments, or exfoliants at once can make irritation worse.
If you think a medication is causing breakouts, talk with the person who prescribed it. Do not stop taking it on your own.
When to get help
It is worth seeing a clinician if your acne is deep or painful, leaves scars or dark spots, or is not improving. They can help identify the cause and choose treatment that fits your skin.
Get help with adult acne.
Tell us what's going on with your skin and what you've tried.
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