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September 25, 2025

Adult Acne: Why It Happens & How to Treat It

Lone Pine’s Specialized Dermatologists for Acne Treatment in Logan

When most people think of acne, they picture teenagers battling breakouts before prom night. But the truth is, acne doesn’t always disappear once you leave your teen years behind. Many adults experience adult acne—either as a continuation from adolescence or as brand-new breakouts later in life.

If you’re dealing with frustrating flare-ups in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, you’re not alone. Studies show that acne affects up to 15% of women and 5% of men over the age of 25. It’s one of the most common skin conditions we see at Lone Pine Dermatology, and the good news is: modern treatments can make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll explain why adult acne happens, the different types of breakouts, and how our dermatologists can help with your acne treatments to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Why Does Adult Acne Happen?

There’s no single cause for adult acne. It’s usually a combination of internal and external factors. Understanding your triggers is the first step toward clearer skin.

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the biggest causes of adult acne. Androgens (hormones present in both men and women) stimulate the skin’s oil glands. When levels spike, oil production increases, pores clog, and breakouts occur.

For women, acne often flares up:

A few days before menstruation
During pregnancy
In the perimenopausal or menopausal years

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause persistent, deep breakouts along the jawline and chin.

Here is a tip to know if it’s hormonal acne: Hormonal acne often appears in the same areas month after month, and is usually deep, tender, and slower to heal.

2. Stress & Cortisol

Life’s responsibilities don’t slow down in adulthood, and neither does stress. When you’re under pressure, your body releases cortisol, which is a stress hormone that can lead to increased oil production and inflammation in the skin. This is why breakouts often appear during stressful times like big work projects, family changes, or lack of sleep.

3. Genetics

If your parents struggled with acne, there’s a good chance you inherited the same tendency. Genetics can influence oil production, pore size, and skin cell turnover. These are all factors that contribute to breakouts.

4. Diet & Lifestyle

While diet doesn’t cause acne for everyone, certain foods may contribute to breakouts in sensitive individuals. Research suggests that high-glycemic foods (like white bread, sugary snacks, and soda) and dairy products may trigger acne for some people.

Lifestyle factors matter, too. Heavy, pore-clogging makeup, harsh skincare products, and environmental exposure to pollution can all aggravate the skin.

5. Medical Conditions & Medications

Certain medications—such as corticosteroids, lithium, and some birth controls—can cause or worsen acne. Endocrine disorders and other health conditions can also disrupt hormone balance and trigger breakouts.

Types of Adult Acne

Not all acne looks or behaves the same. Identifying the type you have helps you and your dermatologist determine the right type of acne treatment.

Hormonal Acne: Deep, cystic bumps along the chin, jawline, or neck, often recurring in the same areas.
Inflammatory Acne: Red, swollen pimples (papules) and pus-filled bumps (pustules).
Cystic Acne: Large, painful lumps under the skin that can linger for weeks and often lead to issues like scarring.

Comedonal Acne: Blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores without significant inflammation.

Dermatologists' Recommended Adult Acne Treatments

Adult acne can be stubborn. What worked in your teens might not work now. Successful treatment usually combines professional dermatology care with consistent skincare habits.

1. Specialized Dermatology: Acne Treatments in Logan, Utah

At Lone Pine Dermatology, our specialized dermatologists create customized acne treatment plans based on your skin type, acne severity, and medical history. Options may include:

Prescription Topical Treatments: Retinoids to boost cell turnover, topical antibiotics to reduce bacteria, or azelaic acid to calm redness.
Oral Medications: Hormonal therapies like spironolactone, oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin for severe, resistant acne.
In-Office Procedures:

Chemical peels to exfoliate and refresh the skin

Hydroderm facial to open your pores to allow medications to penetrate the skin

Resurfacing Laser Skin Treatment to reduce acne scars and dark spots in your skin texture

Botox to temporarily improve your skin's appearance from acne scarring

Local dermatologist care advantage: Being treated by a specialized dermatologist in Logan means you have ongoing support. You can get acne and scar treatment adjustments in Utah and Idaho as your skin issues improve.

2. Over-the-Counter Options That Work

For mild acne, or as part of a professional treatment plan, OTC products can help:

Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria.
Salicylic Acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Adapalene Gel: A gentle, once-daily retinoid now available without a prescription.

Look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” to avoid products that clog pores.

3. Skincare & Lifestyle Changes

Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Over-washing can strip the skin and cause more oil production.
Always remove any makeup before bed.
Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without adding extra oil.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Some acne treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Manage stress with regular exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

4. What to Avoid if You Have Adult Acne

Picking or popping pimples: This increases inflammation, spreads bacteria, and can cause scars.
Harsh scrubs or alcohol-based toners: These can irritate and dry out the skin, prompting more oil production.

When to See Your Local Dermatologist in the Logan Area

If your acne is persistent despite over-the-counter treatments or causing pain or deep cysts, it's time! You don’t have to push through and deal with it; you can get specialized acne and scarring treatment in Utah. If it is affecting your confidence, let us help you.

At Lone Pine Dermatology, we’ve helped countless patients in the Logan area, including Providence, Brigham City, and Garden City, Utah, and Preston and Montpelier, Idaho, find relief from adult acne with personalized, evidence-based care. We can even help you with acne scar treatment in any Utah or Idaho location.

Clearer Skin Is Possible

Adult acne can be frustrating, but it’s not something you have to “just live with.” With the right treatment plan and the right specialized dermatologist, you can calm breakouts, protect your skin from scarring, and restore your confidence.

Ready to take control of your skin? Schedule your acne consultation with Lone Pine Dermatology today by calling (435) 554-8442 and start your journey toward clearer, healthier skin.

Make an Appointment

Schedule a consultation right away by calling 435-554-8442.