What Could Be Causing Your Adult Acne?

Acne is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, even adults. But do you know what’s causing your adult acne? Here are a few things it could be:

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of adult acne. Fluctuations or excessive hormones can lead to adult acne because they affect function on a bodily level. Unfortunately, that also includes your skin. These imbalances lead to pH changes, inflammation, and excessive oil production, which can cause breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of aging, but particular hormonal imbalances related to menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods, and even breastfeeding can affect your skin. If you suspect hormonal imbalance is the cause of your adult acne, be on the lookout for deep, cyst-like blemishes. They may also look red and be tender to the touch.

Skin Irritation

Sometimes the cause of adult acne can be as simple as skin irritation. This is particularly likely if you have sensitive skin or you just started using a new product on your skin. Harsh cleansers, including those that make use of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, may also be the root cause of adult acne flare-ups. If you suspect this may be the cause of your adult acne flare-up, make a note of any changes you’ve made recently in your skincare routine. A new lotion, makeup product, or even skin medication may be irritating your skin and causing breakouts. In addition, shaving dry skin without the aid of a lubricant may cause irritation, razor burn, and acne.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress, whether we like it or not, is a big agent for biological response. When you’re feeling stressed, your body is producing lots of cortisol, which in turn can cause imbalance in the skin. If you’re experiencing adult acne, make a note of when your breakouts are the worst. If your acne tends to flare up during times of high stress, relaxation could be a great form of acne treatment for you. Try to make time for activities that you enjoy and keep a running list of situations that stress you out. Maintaining a good balance of healthy stress and relaxation could help you manage your acne.

External Stress

While emotional stress can cause imbalances in the skin, so too can external stressors. Physical strain on the body can result in hormonal changes and skin irritation, as well as inflammation. These three things are the perfect recipe for adult acne. If you’re not sure what external stressors could be physically straining your skin, here are a few you should look out for. First and foremost, the weather. Any extreme weather, hot or cold, can be a trigger for breakouts. In addition, lack of sleep and illness can result in acne flare-ups. Environmental irritants like secondhand smoke, road salt, sand, and even rain can put the skin out of balance.

At North Pacific Dermatology, we want to help you live your most confident, acne-free life. If you have questions about adult acne or you’re just not sure what’s causing yours, set up a consultation with our team today. Together we can find the right acne treatment for you.