I’m in My 40s, Why Do I Still Get Acne?
Jan 11, 2023
Acne affects 50 million Americans annually. It’s the most common skin condition in the country, and it’s safe to say that nearly everyone gets pimples at some point.
While many people think acne is just a teenage problem, this isn’t true. About 15% of women report adult acne in their 30s and 40s, and it’s getting more prevalent.
Acne is embarrassing, no matter your age. And you shouldn’t have to live with it. Our providers at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center offer professional adult acne treatment, and we can design a treatment plan to give you the clearer skin you’ve always wanted.
In this blog, we explain why adult acne can occur and how it can be treated.
Acne starts when glands in your skin overproduce oil. Oil is a critical component of healthy skin, but too much can lead to acne breakouts at any age.
That extra oil sits on your skin, and it can get caught in hair follicles, along with bacteria and dead skin cells. If that buildup gets infected, inflammation develops and a visible acne blemish appears.
Hormonal changes during puberty are the primary cause of teen acne, but hormonal fluctuations continue throughout life. Furthermore, hormones aren’t the only cause of acne. Adult acne may also stem from high stress levels, dietary habits, and cosmetic products. And, some people can have a genetic predisposition for oily or acne-prone skin.
Facial acne is the most common type, but many people get body acne, too. Body acne can appear on the shoulders, upper back, chest, or buttocks. Both facial and body acne can range from mild to severe, and it may even affect your confidence.
If you’re tired of dealing with adult acne, make an appointment with our dermatology team. We examine your skin, review your medical history, and ask questions about your lifestyle to determine what’s behind your breakouts.
We can recommend over-the-counter acne treatments, along with skincare and cosmetic products, to help manage oily skin and increase skin cell turnover. For severe or stubborn acne, prescription treatments may be the best option.
Topical acne creams and ointments, isotretinoin, or prescription antibiotics can all address the underlying causes of adult acne. If you’re a woman with hormonal acne, contraceptives may regulate your hormone levels and reduce acne as a side effect.
As if acne isn’t bad enough, many people are left with acne scars from past breakouts. Scars aren’t inflamed or painful like active acne, but they can mar your complexion and hurt your self-esteem.
We offer a number of effective acne scar treatments at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center. Depending on your needs, we may recommend laser facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, dermal fillers, or a combination of methods to lessen the appearance of bothersome scars.
Are you still plagued by acne in your 30s or 40s? We can help you take control of your skin. To learn more, call 201-836-9696 or book an appointment online with Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center today. We have offices in Teaneck and Saddle River, New Jersey.