Why acne in 30s

Acne is caused by your skin making too much sebum oil , which, along with dead skin cells, clogs the pores — making them the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Hormones, family history and underlying health conditions can play a role in developing acne.

It can also be a side effect of taking certain medications. It is common for some women to experience acne in their 30s, 40s and 50s for the first time — having never had it during their teens. This is referred to as adult-onset acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , you can thank your fluctuating hormones for these outbreaks. These fluctuations increase the amount of sebum produced in your skin.

We often think of the T-zone as the main area for acne breakout, since the forehead, nose and chin are notorious for pumping out lots of sebum in acne-prone skin. But there are other areas of the face that experience acne breakouts. And where those breakouts occur may shed light on the source of the problem. Acne on your checks may indicate that you are rubbing your face up against something like the rim of your glasses, a cell phone or a pillowcase.

The oil buildup in the hair and skin can cause acne to appear in the hairline. Also, oily hair products and makeup can buildup in the hairline, causing acne breakouts in that area. Acne around the chin and jawline indicates hormonal acne, which is commonly triggered by hormonal fluctuations that occur around a woman's period, her pregnancy and as she approaches menopause. What causes adult acne? Let's look at the basics to figure out what may be causing your adult acne breakouts.

When do your acne breakouts occur? A dermatologist will be able to determine if your medications are causing or contributing to breakouts.

Common factors include steroid inhalers, birth control, and testosterone to name a few. The most effective treatments for adult acne are prescription medications. Your dermatologist can recommend the most effective medicine. Treatments may include a combination of topical medications, cleansers, moisturizers, and oral pills. With some professional help and a little bit of patience, nearly every case of acne can be treated and controlled at any age. Find a dermatologist near you. Intermountain Healthcare is a Utah-based, not-for-profit system of 24 hospitals includes "virtual" hospital , a Medical Group with more than 2, physicians and advanced practice clinicians at about clinics, a health plans division called SelectHealth, and other health services.

Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in clinical quality improvement and efficient healthcare delivery. Which should I choose? Authors Topics. Facebook Twitter. What causes adult acne? In general, acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, high amounts of acne-causing bacteria, and dead skin cells blocking pores.

Adult women may experience acne because of:. To help prevent acne, use cleansers and cosmetics that won't clog your pores. Be sure to also wash your face twice a day. If your acne isn't clearing, consider reaching out to a dermatologist for treatment options. They may prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter products to help treat your acne. Your dermatologist can work with you to find a treatment that's right for your skin type and the severity of your acne.

They may suggest:. Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. American Academy of Dermatology. Adult acne. Bhate K, Williams HC. Epidemiology of acne vulgaris: epidemiology of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology.

Acne vulgaris in women: prevalence across the life span. J Womens Health. Acne: who gets and causes. Can the right diet get rid of acne? Adult acne versus adolescent acne: a retrospective study of 1, patients. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris.