Yes, adults get Acne. Some adults continue to get Acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. “I’m not a teenager anymore, why do I still have acne?!” This is a question we hear from patients frequently. It is even possible to get Acne for the first time as an adult.
For example, some women experience acne breakouts for the first time during menopause. This is likely due to a drop in estrogen levels or an increase in androgen hormones like testosterone, causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Fortunately, there are treatments for adult acne.
Acne typically appears on the face, though it can also appear on the back, shoulders, neck and/or chest. This is because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands.
Yes! The following are common types of blemish associated with Acne:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Pustules, which are commonly called pimples
- Papules
- Cysts
- Nodules
Each one looks slightly different and can be attributed to the same or different factors.
Yes! Dermatologists rate them on a scale of Grade 1 to 4. The higher the grading, the more severe the Acne. Also, Acne can be classified into two categories: Noninflammatory and Inflammatory Acne. Inflammatory Acne is more severe than noninflammatory Acne, and this type is more likely to cause complications, such as scarring or pitting.
Yes and No. In some people, the sebaceous glands can produce too much oil. This creates oily skin. Acne can be caused by the overproduction of sebum, though other skin types such as Dry Skin or Normal Skin can still get breakouts.