FAQ About Acne: Difference Between Adult Acne and Teenage Acne
I never had acne as a teenager, why am I suddenly experiencing it as an adult?
According to reports, adult acne is on the rise, especially for females. A 2008 study out of the University of Alabama found that more than 50 percent of women between the ages of 20-29 have acne and more than 25 percent between the ages of 40-49 are affected with acne. A 2011 clinical survey from Massachusetts General Hospital showed that 45 percent of women 20-29 and 12 percent of women 41-50 suffer from acne. Hormones are the big culprits for these breakouts. When women get older, their levels of androgens surge. This hormone can play a large role in sebum production and how quickly the skin sheds its cells, which can lead to acne flare-ups.
Is there a difference between adult acne and teenage acne?
Adult acne and teenage acne are formed by the same causative agents that lead to acne formation. In both patients, hormones influence the sebaceous glands to increase sebum production, leading to acne formation. According to a news report, adult acne is on the rise, especially for females. A 2008 study out of the University of Alabama found that more than 50 percent of women between the ages of 20-29 have acne and more than 25 percent between the ages of 40-49 are affected with acne. A 2011 clinical survey from Massachusetts General Hospital showed that 45 percent of women 20-29 and 12 percent of women 41-50 suffer from acne. Hormones are the big culprits for adult breakouts. When women get older, their levels of androgens surge. This hormone can play a large role in sebum production and acne formation. While the mechanism of adult and teenage acne may be similar, the treatments can be different. At Clear Clinic we notice adults have drier skin, so we often avoid prescribing medications that are overly drying in our adult patients. We can also prescribe our adult patients also an acne-fighting medication with anti-aging benefits. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a dermatologist if you have adult acne to pick a gentle but still effective acne treatment regimen.
