You Don’t Have To Live With Adult Acne: Your Dermatologist Is Here To Help

People often associate zits and acne with teenagers. However, this common problem can plague adults, too. In fact, it’s even possible to experience your first bouts of acne as an adult — a condition referred to as “adult-onset acne.” 

But there are solutions for breakouts, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond.

Juan-Carlos Caballero, MD, at Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center in Warrenton, Virginia, knows how upsetting acne can be, especially for adults. As a board-certified dermatologist, he provides a wide range of treatment options to address all of the factors behind whiteheads, blackheads, inflamed pimples, and cysts.

Do you have adult acne? Here’s what could be causing your symptoms and how Dr. Caballero can help.

What’s to blame for adult acne

There’s nothing like a pimple to remind us of our youth. However, pimples can also come with embarrassment and frustration, especially if they don’t respond to treatments that may have worked in the past. That’s because there are significant differences between the acne of your youth and the breakouts that appear in adulthood.

Studies show that up to 93% of adolescents experience acne. In adulthood, estimates reveal that 35% of women and 20% of men have the problem.

As a teen, acne usually appears because androgen hormone production increases during puberty. On top of that, teens with acne often have worse symptoms if they have a close relative with the condition.

While genes can still contribute to acne in adulthood, skin issues in adults usually develop from other causes, such as:

• Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause
• Emotional and physical stress
• Underlying medical conditions
• Some medications

Certain skin and hair care products can also contribute to adult acne, especially if you’re predisposed to the condition because of your family history.

It’s also important to note that even though people refer to rosacea as “adult acne,” this is a very different condition that requires very different treatment. In short, rosacea is not acne.

Getting help for adult acne

As a full-service dermatology practice, you can rest easy knowing that you can find the perfect solution for your adult acne, no matter what’s behind your breakouts.

In most cases, the most effective treatment for adult acne involves a combination of approaches. After identifying what’s triggering your symptoms, Dr. Caballero could recommend a number of tactics, such as:

• Oral or topical medications to reduce bacteria and unblock pores
• Birth control pills to limit hormone fluctuations
• Microdermabrasion or light chemical peels to open pores
• Corticosteroid injections to treat large red cysts
• Surgically removing blackheads and whiteheads
• Photodynamic therapy to treat acne with light

And, perhaps most importantly, Dr. Caballero can help provide personalized recommendations for proper skin care, including cleansing regimens and products that can keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Do you have adult acne? You don’t have to live with it. To get the care you need, call 540-212-7081 or request an appointment online with Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center today.