What Is Causing Your Adult Acne?

by Ariana Rojas

You are a robust and 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. 

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 menstrual cycle phases 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. 

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 allow 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 contribute to adult acne.

Stress, Stress, Stress

We 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!! 

The Food You Eat Could Be Affecting Your Skin

Men and women who consume many 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! 

Starting a New Medication

All medications 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, including Lithium, anti-seizure drugs, and corticosteroids. Switching or stopping birth control pills is also a common cause of adult acne!

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 suffers from adult acne, you are also likely to be predisposed to it. Knowing your family's medical history won't solve the problem, but it will explain why you have it.

Undiagnosed Medical Condition

In rare cases, adult acne may indicate 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 lovely at treating oily, acne-prone skin. Please take a look. The reviews speak for themselves! 

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