Age and Acne

From early teens to adulthood and beyond, acne is a condition that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop some form of acne, and some people continue to be affected into their forties and fifties.  Although acne is most prevalent among teenagers, it is a condition that can affect adults as well.   Acne conditions may develop in adults in response to the menstrual cycle, the start or usage of birth control, and changes in stress levels.

Another common contributing factor in adult acne is the use of inappropriate skincare or cleansing products.  Many individuals unknowingly use cosmetics, cleansers, and shampoos that are bad for their skin.  This type of acne is called Acne Cosmetica. It's a mild form of Acne and disappears when the patient stops using the particular cosmetic which caused the skin irritation. Most of the cosmetics responsible for producing acne are high in oil content.  Some contain oils derived from fatty acids and these fatty acids can contribute to acne breakouts.

In 1999, Goulden and Cunliffe published a study that detailed the increasing occurrence of acne in adulthood (Prevalence of facial Acne in Adults).  They noted that the mean age of patients treated for Acne had increased in a decade from 20.5 years to 26.5 years.

In addition to teenage and adult acne, it is also possible for babies to get acne.  Although baby acne usually clears within a few months, these infants are more prone to acne in later life.