Adult Acne: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

Many of us associate pimples and breakouts with our teenage years. Unfortunately, some people experience acne during their midlife years. If this is happening to you, know that you are not alone. Some estimates say 30 percent of women age 40-60 suffer from acne.

Experts believe that hormones are to blame for adult acne. Between pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, hormones may get imbalanced, resulting in breakouts. Here are some tips to restore your skin to its blemish-free days.

Gentle cleaners
Most dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil.

Lotions or creams
Many over-the-counter products can be used to treat adult acne, but it may take a few tries to figure out which one works best for you. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to kill bacteria that can cause acne. If you tend to have dark marks from acne, you may need to use products that contain salicylic and glycolic acids.

See a Doctor
If you cannot manage your acne using OTC products, you may need to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor can prescribe higher strength ingredients that cannot be found OTC.

Sources: MayoClinic.com, WebMd.com