Adult Acne

Roughly 95% of those affected by acne will develop it during their adolescent years. The other 5% that experience acne will develop it for the FIRST time as adult acne. For those that have experienced acne in their teens, a much larger percentage will experience intermittant adult acne due primarily to hormonal changes. Because of it's link to hormonal changes, adult acne is much more common in females than in males.

Acne is a hereditary condition so those whose parents have adult acne are more likely to experience it for themselves.  In research studies conducted on women who have developed acne in their teens and who continue to struggle with adult acne, results have shown that an increase in circulatory androgen levels and free testosterone are many times the cause of the adult acne.

In women, the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can either worsen or improve adult acne because of it's affect on hormone levels.  In some cases, oral contraceptives can also lead to adult acne, but certain other contraceptives can actually be an adult acne treatment. 

Other factors affecting the onset of adult acne are stress, alcohol and certain medications.  Emotional and psychological stress can trigger hormonal changes in the body which affect sebum production and the onset of acne.  Visit acne treatments to learn more about options for adult acne treatment.