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The Grown-Up’s Guide to Acne Breakouts

Jul 19, 2016

Most people believe that acne is something that happens to teenagers, until they enter adulthood and find that it is happening to them. Although it is true that teens are more vulnerable to acne, many adults still suffer from breakouts. Fortunately, your dermatologist can help control your acne, no matter what your age. Here is a look at what adults need to know about breakouts.

Why It Happens

Adult acne happens for many of the same reasons it happens during adolescence. Hormones are the most common cause, especially for women, who are more likely to get adult acne than men. Women tend to experience breakouts around their periods and other times when hormones fluctuate wildly, including pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause. Stopping and starting birth control pills can also trigger breakouts. Stress, family history of acne, and certain hair and skincare products can also cause acne in adults, as can certain medications.

How It’s Different

Adult acne can appear anywhere, but unlike teen acne, which usually affects the cheeks, forehead, and nose, adults often get breakouts along the jawline, chin, and neck. Adult skin is also thinner than teen skin, so acne treatments made for teenagers can be too irritating. Adults can even exacerbate their breakouts by buying an over-the-counter acne medication made for younger skin.

How to Treat It

Your dermatologist can offer many different treatments to manage adult acne without the side effects caused by using teen acne treatments. Often, your dermatologist will combine two different treatments, such as two topical creams, to control your breakout. You can also reduce your breakouts by changing to skin care and hair products that are non-comedogenic and taking steps to control your stress. If you suspect that birth control pills or other medications could be contributing to your acne, talk to your doctor about switching to different drugs.

Don’t let adult acne get you down. Make an appointment with a dermatologist in Arlington Heights at Arlington Dermatology. We provide comprehensive dermatology care, from acne treatment to warts and carcinoma. Call our office today at [company-phone id=1].

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