Diagnosis and Management of Skin Conditions in Children
December 9, 2025Acne: 7 Reasons Why Treatment Should Not Be Delayed
December 12, 2025It is supposed to be a problem of teenagers, but the fact remains that many adults, mainly women, continue to have it even after the age of 25, or even develop it for the first time in their 40s or even 50s.
At whatever age it appears, acne is very bothersome. At all ages, moreover, four factors directly contribute to its development: the overproduction of sebum (oil), the blockage of the skin’s pores by “sticky” skin cells, skin bacteria, and inflammation.
«These four factors are in turn related to many others that may worsen them,» says Dr. Markos Michelakis, Dermatologist–Venereologist (Aesthetic Dermatology–Dermatosurgery). «In the case of adult acne, the contributing factors are many and include everything from the use of the wrong cosmetics to undiagnosed health problems. The good news, however, is that there are many therapeutic options for adult acne, provided that a thorough examination is conducted to identify any underlying cause.»
Dr. Michelakis explains which are the most common factors that may contribute to the unsightly pimples you see on your face as you grow older.
Hormonal fluctuations. The ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect acne in women, sometimes triggering flare-ups and sometimes helping it subside. Menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and menopause are periods of life when a woman may see her acne worsen. The same can happen when she starts taking contraceptives, stops them, or changes them. Acne may even appear months after such changes.
Psychological stress. Studies have shown that stress can trigger acne flare-ups. The reason is its effect on androgens (male hormones), which women also have in low levels. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, increasing sebum (oil) production and clogging the skin’s pores.
Family history of acne. If a first-degree relative (e.g. parent, sibling) has acne, you may have a genetic predisposition to developing it. In such a case, you are at increased risk of experiencing adult acne. The good news is that this does not mean it cannot be treated.
Taking certain medications. Sometimes adult acne is an adverse effect of certain medications. These include, among others, corticosteroids (cortisone), inhaled steroids, certain contraceptives, antidepressants, and antiepileptic drugs. If you take medication and wonder whether it could be playing a role in the adult acne that troubles you, consult your dermatologist and your treating physician. In no case, however, should you discontinue your treatment on your own, stresses Mr. Michelakis.
Certain undiagnosed health problems. Sometimes adult acne is a sign of an underlying health problem that may not have been recognized. In such a case, if the underlying problem is treated, the acne may also improve. However, this occurs in a small percentage of patients. One of the best-known underlying causes of adult acne is polycystic ovary syndrome, in which a woman has irregular menstrual cycles, overproduction of male hormones (androgens), and/or multiple ovarian cysts. If a woman has the syndrome, she may also experience other symptoms, such as increased hair growth (e.g. on the face, chest), obesity, etc. In contrast, thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism are unlikely to cause adult acne.
Unhealthy diet. A large study published last year in the scientific journal JAMA Dermatology confirmed that a diet rich in fats, sugar, and milk is an independent risk factor for adult acne. The study included more than 24,000 volunteers (median age: 57 years). Those who suffered from facial pimples tended to consume much more milk, milk chocolate, snacks, and fast foods high in fat and sugar. Conversely, they ate far fewer fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and dark chocolate (which contains less milk and sugar than milk chocolate), compared to those without adult acne.
Certain bad habits. Some bad habits significantly promote pimples. For this reason, make sure you never go to bed without removing your makeup and then cleansing your face. Pat your face dry with a small, clean face towel. Clean your makeup brushes and applicators very often. Pay attention to the expiration dates of your cosmetics. Regularly disinfect your mobile phone screen. Do not touch your face unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Choose your cosmetics carefully.
Using inappropriate cosmetics. Not all cosmetics are produced in the same way, nor do they contain the same ingredients. If you use cosmetics unsuitable for your skin type, they may promote your acne. The same applies if you use cosmetics that contain oil or clog your skin’s pores. If you have adult acne, make sure that your moisturizer, facial cleansers, sunscreen, and all skincare and haircare products state “non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free, won’t clog pores.” These products are the least likely to cause acne.
«Adult acne is not a simple cosmetic problem, but a skin disease that has serious consequences on the mental well-being of sufferers,» points out Mr. Michelakis. «Early detection of the factors that promote its development and receiving the necessary treatment can help significantly. If you suddenly develop acne that persists for several weeks and/or causes scarring, it is essential to consult a dermatologist to identify the cause.»
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/adult-acne
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/acne/10-surprising-causes-acne-adults/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788264/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3935648/
https://www.healthline.com/health/adult-acne
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5798558/
