8 Common (And Uncommon) Causes Of Adult Acne

You are a strong, successful adult and your teenage years are long gone. So why are you still dealing with embarrassing, humiliating blemishes? Guess what? Acne is NOT just for teenagers. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, between 40 and 55 percent of adults are diagnosed with persistent acne and oily skin annually. But what causes acne in adults? Acne can occur at any stage in our lives. Here are eight common (and some uncommon) causes of adult acne. 1. Hormone Imbalance: Did you know that something as simple as a change in your hormone levels can have drastic effects on your skin? In women, the cyclical nature and constant fluctuation of hormones during the phases of the menstrual cycle cause them to be much more likely to experience breakouts and blemishes. These can occur the week before the menstrual cycle, during the menstrual cycle, or even during ovulation. An increase in the male hormone, testosterone, can also cause deep, painful cystic acne in men. These blemishes are most often visible on the chin, neck, and back. 2. Not Washing Your Skin At Night: Your skin naturally produces oils throughout the day. When you do not take the time to wash your skin at night, you are allowing these oils (as well as dirt and debris) to build-up. This build-up can lead to blemishes and acne. It is recommended that you get in a routine of washing your skin twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. This will allow your skin to breathe and rid the surface of oil, dirt, and debris build-up that can definitely contribute to adult acne. 3. Stress, Stress, Stress: We just can't STRESS it enough! Stress is a leading cause of acne in adult men and women. Whether you are a busy work-a-holic or doting mother, everyone needs to take a break and make time for themselves every once in a while. When you are stressed, your skin shows it. RELAX!! 4. The Food You Eat Could Be Affecting Your Skin: Men and women who consume a lot of shellfish are more predisposed to acne. Shellfish such as lobster, shrimp, and crab contain high levels of Iodine. Studies have shown that eating a lot of food with high levels of Iodine can cause acne, even in adults. Greens such as kelp and spinach also contain high levels of Iodine. You are what you eat! 5. Starting A New Medication: All medication can have possible side effects. Studies have shown that excessive, extended use of medications or starting new medications can cause significant stress to the nervous system. This stress causes an elevation in hormones and blemishes can be the result. Some medications are more likely to cause detrimental effects to your skin, these include Lithium, anti seizure drugs, and corticosteroids. Switching or stopping birth control pills is also a common cause of adult acne! 6. There Is Such A Thing As Too Much Sugar: It's common knowledge that ctonsuming too much sugar can lead to a spike in the insulin levels in your body. But did you know that insulin has been shown to boost oil-triggering male hormones? Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, break down slower in the body and cause less of a spike. Modifying your diet to include less sugar and more whole grains is healthier for you all around, but can also lead to a decrease in the acne present on your skin. 7. Do A Little Research On Your Family Tree: Are you caught up on your family's medical history? You should be! If a close relative such as a parent, grandparent, or even sibling suffer from adult acne you are likely to be predisposed to it as well. Knowing your family medical history won't solve the problem, but it will explain why you have it. 8. Undiagnosed Medical Condition: In rare cases, adult acne may be an indication of an underlying medical condition. If you have ruled out numbers one through seven on this list, you may want to check with your general physician to see if your acne may be the result of an underlying medical condition. Once the condition has been diagnosed and treated, the acne will often go away on its' own. Still struggling with painful blemishes? You may want to check out our Eminence Clear Skin Starter Set. This starter set features some of our most popular products from our Clear Skin line, including our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer, Clear Skin Probiotic Masque, and Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum. These products are wonderful at treating oily, acne-prone skin. Take a look, the reviews speak for themselves!