It’s one thing to have acne as a teenager, but why does it happen when you’re older?

When it comes to skincare, it’s an easy bet to blame hormones for just about everything that goes wrong. And it’s certainly true in the case of acne during puberty, when hormones increase the oil production of glands within the skin. The boost in oil production creates clogged pores that may become inflamed and develop into pimples.

Unfortunately, even as an adult, acne can still strike. Just like your gut, your skin has its own microbiome. This is the ecosystem of bacteria that can contribute to acne. A balanced microbiome helps maintain clear skin, while an imbalance often results in breakouts.

Quick Read:

Acne is a skin problem that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog your pores.
This causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads which appear on your face, neck, and upper body.
Certain makeup products contain ingredients that can clog pores, leading to acne.

How does acne start?

Simply, acne is caused by a sebaceous gland within a hair follicle that overproduces oil. Most teenagers experience acne. It’s almost a rite of passage as children develop and their hormones fluctuate, leading to changes in the skin. In adults, acne is typically triggered just before your menstrual cycle, birth control pills, stress, and even certain foods and drinks.

Skin conditions like rosacea may also be prevalent. This condition is similar to acne and is known to be a chronic, progressive skin issue. Typical symptoms include bumps, pimples, skin inflammation, spider veins, and red cheeks.

What causes acne? Common food triggers include:

Sugary foods (biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, cakes) increase your insulin levels, leading to oilier skin and clogged pores.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt may cause hormone fluctuations that result in acne, especially if you’re sensitive to dairy.
Snack foods like burgers, chips, and pizzas tend to be inflammation culprits. Eat these in moderation.
White bread, pasta, and sugary cereals can spike blood sugar levels, potentially creating more sebum which leads to skin breakouts.

While these foods can affect some people, acne triggers vary, so it’s smart to monitor your diet to see which foods tend to impact your skin.

Home remedies
for acne

For mild acne, start by gently cleansing your skin each day. Look for non-prescription acne products at your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for advice on your skin type.
Do your best to avoid touching your face. This also means not squeezing or picking at pimples and acne as that can lead to scars and infections.
If you have oily hair, try to keep it off your face, so the oil doesn’t worsen the acne.
When it comes to makeup, choose products that are fragrance-free and non-irritating to your skin. You may need to ask a pharmacist for help here.
You still need sunscreen. Look for one that won’t further clog your pores.
Healthy skin requires plenty of water. Drink water regularly throughout the day.
When you’re well-rested, you may notice your acne appears less inflamed and your skin looks clearer. Sleep is important for healthy skin, allowing your body to repair itself and regulate hormone levels that can affect oil production.

Help at hand: acne treatment

If home remedies aren’t working, it’s time to see a doctor for specialised treatment. You may need specific antibiotics or creams and ointments. A doctor will refer you to a dermatologist.

Acne is sometimes linked to an underlying hormonal condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In this case, higher levels of androgens (male hormones present in all women) can increase oil production in the skin, leading to persistent or more severe breakouts.

This type of acne often appears on the face, chest, and back, and may be more resistant to typical over-the-counter treatments. If acne is ongoing, widespread, or accompanied by symptoms like irregular periods or excess hair growth, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Take note of these symptoms and get help:

Your skin hasn’t improved after six to eight weeks of home treatments.
Your skin is red or purple or you have hard bumps on your face.
The pimples are large and hard or filled with fluid.
You have scars and marks as your skin heals.
Acne starts to form after starting a new medication.
In women, acne forms along with facial hair and you have muscle pain.
Some medications, like steroids or lithium, can spark acne as a side-effect. If you notice breakouts after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

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