Acne is often thought of as something you deal with during puberty in your teens. For many people, however, acne doesn’t end with adulthood. Adult acne is extremely common, and your dermatologist is your best resource for understanding your acne and getting the treatment you need to improve your skin’s appearance.

At Wallace Skin and Body Institute, Paul Wallace, MD, has devoted more than 20 years of dermatology experience to helping patients keep their skin as healthy as possible. Over 70% of adults surveyed reported having dealt with acne. Adult acne affects both men and women, although women are slightly more likely to experience adult acne.

If you’re dealing with adult acne there are treatments available that can restore your clear skin.

What causes adult acne?

While acne is more prevalent during adolescence, many adults continue to get acne flares well into their 30s and 40s. You can get acne at any time in your life. When acne starts in adulthood it’s called adult onset acne.

If you’re getting acne in adulthood there could be many reasons, including fluctuating hormones, stress, medication, and genetic predisposition. Any of these things can cause acne flare-ups by stimulating certain responses in your body.

Certain changes in the body can cause excess oil production, which causes your pores to become clogged, serving as an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish, which then can trigger inflammation in a vicious cycle.

Underlying skin disorders can also contribute to the development of acne, as well as underlying health conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and other hormonal disorders.

Effective treatment for adult acne

Dr. Wallace has a wide variety of tools in his arsenal to combat adult acne and will create an individualized treatment plan to address your acne and help improve the appearance of your skin.

Your specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of your acne.

The arsenal of treatment options for acne treatment is robust and depends on the type and severity of acne. Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, is used as a topical treatment, which helps acne by increasing cell turnover. As a result, pores are less likely to become clogged.

Isotretinoin, brand name Accutane®, is an oral medication used to treat severe or resistant acne. A form of vitamin A, isotretinoin reduces the amount of oil released by the oil-producing glands in your skin.

Spironolactone is commonly prescribed to treat hormone-driven acne in women. It improves acne by blocking androgen receptors. Hormonal contraceptives can also be helpful in improving hormonal acne in women.

In-office light-based treatments, including photodynamic therapy, can help certain types of acne. Additionally, chemical peels are beneficial in treating postinflammatory changes to the skin and fading acne scars.

Acne skin regimen

Dr. Wallace offers a comprehensive line of skin care products, which includes the BELIEVE antiacne clear skin kit. Developing a regular skin care routine to manage acne plays a key role in keeping your skin clear. Dr. Wallace will work with you and make recommendations on nonirritating products to moisturize your skin, reduce excess oil, treat spots, and cleanse the skin.

Help for adult acne

Adult acne is treatable. With help from a board-certified dermatologist and a commitment to the right treatment regimen, you can successfully treat your acne and improve your skin. To learn more about how Wallace Skin & Body Institute can help restore your clear skin, reach out to our Los Angeles office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wallace or book online today.