Adult Acne

While the stages of acne affect all ages, genders, and ethnicities, the onset of acne is always the same and has three key triggers - hormones, hyperkeratosis and acne causing bacterium. The difference between teen acne and adult acne lies in various factors, including the age of onset and hormonal influences. In some cases, breakout locations, types of lesions, and responses to treatment can be different for both teen and adult acne. Here's a breakdown:

• Onset Age - Adult acne, unlike teen acne which typically begins during puberty, can manifest for the first time in adulthood. It commonly emerges in individuals over the age of 20 and may persist into the 30s, 40s, or beyond.

• Hormonal Influence – All cases of acne regardless of age, gender and ethnicity are influenced by hormonal changes, specifically heightened androgen and testosterone production. The onset of teen acne is when adrenal glands and gonads first produce these male dominated hormones. Adult acne, on the other hand, is triggered by the same hormonal increases and can fluctuate in women in relation to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, as well as factors like stress and certain medications. In males, it is the imbalance of these hormones due to other varying factors as well as stress and medications.

• Hyperkeratosis – The excessive build up and clogging of follicles due to the increased skin cell and sebum production. This leads to macro comedomes that are often undetectable to the naked eye. However, if left untreated could lead to open and closed comedones which then further develops into papules, pustules and in more severe cases; cysts and nodules. The incorrect balance of sebum makes the skin cells sticky and blocks the skin making it feel as though you want to scrub it off and strip it back. In most cases, this leads to worsening of the condition.

• Acne Causing Bacterium – C9 acne bacterium is the type of bacteria that grows in the follicles of the skin and thrives in a dark environment. When the follicles are blocked with hyperkeratosis due to hormonal imbalances and poor hygiene or improper skincare routines, this bacterium grows and forms an infection that appears as a pustule. Signs include redness, inflammation, pain and pus.

• Breakout Locations - While teen acne commonly manifests on the face, neck, chest, and back, adult acne can affect similar areas but is often more concentrated on the lower face, jawline, and neck.

• Lesion Types - Teen acne typically presents with blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and, in severe cases, cysts and nodules. Adult acne may feature similar lesions but is often characterised by more inflammatory types, such as pustules and nodules, with cysts being more common.

• Treatment Response – Whilst the treatment response for teen and adult acne can vary due to the ability to balance hormones, both require specialised skincare for acne prone skin under the recommendation of a Skin Expert.

Adult acne can result from a variety of factors, and the specific triggers can vary among individuals. Internal factors, such as chronic stress, diet, genetics, and medications, may contribute to adult acne. For women, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and the periods of pregnancy or postpartum can also serve as common triggers for adult acne.

Moreover, the use of certain skincare or cosmetic products that are comedogenic (tend to clog pores) can also contribute to adult acne, when coupled with poor skincare habits. Environmental pollutants and changes in climate may further impact the skin, potentially contributing to acne in adults. To address adult acne concerns effectively, adopting a suitable adult acne skin care routine and incorporating appropriate skin care products for acne prone skin is essential.

Adult acne can benefit from a skincare routine that includes key ingredients known for their effectiveness in treating acne and promoting overall skin health. Some of these ingredients in our skin care for acne prone skin includes:

• Salicylic Acid – Our Corrective Cleanser and Potent Clearing Serum features Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and helps reduce inflammation.

• Hyaluronic Acid - While not directly treating adult acne, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without clogging pores. Featured in our 3D Hyaluronic Serum, it is beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - This anti-inflammatory ingredient found in B3 Plus helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with adult acne. It also regulates oil production and strengthens the skin’s immune system equipping it with the ability to fight of the acne causing bacteria. Niacinamide is one of the most important ingredients for the topical treatment of acne in all ages.

• Retinoids - Retinoids promote cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and balance sebum (oil) levels in the skin. Both Retinol Concentrate Serum and Potent Retinol Serum are effective in treating both adult acne and acne-related scarring. Note that retinoids can be irritating, so it's important to introduce them gradually and under the circumstances of extreme inflammation associated with the acne, opting for a gentler approach to restore the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation may be best to begin on Retinoic Oil. 

• L-Lactic Acid - Another AHA, lactic acid found in our Multi-Functional Peel exfoliates the skin gently whilst improving hydration levels that balance sebum and restore the skin’s barrier. This will help reduce acne lesions while improving overall skin texture, which is perfect for adult acne skin care.

If you have adult acne, it's important to be mindful of skincare ingredients that may potentially exacerbate breakouts or irritate the skin. While everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another, here are some common skincare ingredients that individuals with acne-prone skin, including adult acne, may want to approach with caution:

• Comedogenic Oils - Some oils have a higher likelihood of clogging pores and may exacerbate adult acne. These include coconut oil, cocoa butter, and certain silicones. Non-comedogenic oils, such as jojoba oil or refined shea butter oil, may be better skin care for acne prone skin.

• Alcohol - High concentrations of alcohol in skincare products can be drying and irritating, potentially leading to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate. Look for alcohol-free formulations in your adult acne skin care.

• Essential Oils - While some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, others may be irritating to acne-prone skin. Examples include lavender oil, peppermint oil, and citrus oils. Patch-test products containing essential oils or choose adult acne skin care products without them.

• Harsh Fragrances – Harsh fragrances, whether synthetic or natural, can be irritating to acne-prone skin. Opt for low irritant fragrances if any, in your adult acne skin care products to reduce the risk of irritation.

• Certain Sunscreen Ingredients - Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as octocrylene or octinoxate, may cause irritation in acne-prone skin. Consider using physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide such as Mineral Pro SPF which complements adult acne skin care as a powerful anti-inflammatory and skin healer.

• Physical Exfoliants - Abrasive physical exfoliants can potentially damage the skin and exacerbate adult acne. Instead, consider chemical exfoliants like Multi-Functional Peel which contains a PHA and Lactic Acid Complex to gently exfoliate the skin whilst improving hydration levels.

• Heavy or Pore-Clogging Moisturisers - Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic and oil-free hydrator if your skin is excessively oily like Rebalancing Cream that won’t clog the pores. If your skin is dry and dehydrated which is most common in adult acne then choosing a hydrator that will restore the skin’s barrier is vital, opt for Comfort Cream for a hydrated and balanced feel.

• Heavy Makeup – Thick and heavy foundation with ingredients such as silicones, parabens, mineral oil, talc and fragrance can contribute to clogged pores and worsen adult acne. Consider natural foundations like 1SKIN which is made with 98% natural ingredients and clean formulation to complement your adult acne skin care routine.

Introducing new products into your skincare routine should be done gradually, incorporating patch tests to observe your skin's response. It's important to acknowledge that everyone's skin is unique, and what proves effective for one person may not yield the same results for another. Understanding acne prone skin and building a tailored adult acne skin care routine can be instrumental in managing and preventing potential reactions.

For guidance on skin care for acne prone skin, visit your nearest O skin clinic or start a live chat on our website with an O Skin Expert. They can offer personalised advice on suitable adult acne skin care products to seamlessly integrate into your skincare regimen.