Why Am I Still Getting Acne in My 30s?

You survived your awkward teenage years, so why are you still dealing with acne breakouts?

If you’re in your 30s and waking up to pimples along your jawline, chin, or cheeks, you’re far from alone. In fact, adult acne, especially among women, is more common than many people realize; it affects 15% of adult women.

Hormonal changes, stress, skincare habits, and even certain medications can all contribute to stubborn breakouts long after adolescence.

Adult acne often has different triggers than teenage acne, which means it may also require a different treatment approach. 

In this post, Glenn Kolansky, MD, FAAD, and the team at Advanced Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center discuss some of the reasons why you may still be experiencing breakouts and how you can address them.

1. Hormones don’t stop changing after your teens

You can develop acne from hormonal fluctuations, and unfortunately, hormonal fluctuations don’t end with puberty.

Changes related to your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase androgen hormones, which can stimulate your oil glands to produce more sebum. More sebum can create an environment where acne can thrive.

Not sure if your acne is related to hormones? Hormonal acne often appears along the jawline, on the lower face, and around the chin.

2. Stress can trigger breakouts

If you’ve ever noticed a breakout before a big presentation or after a particularly stressful week, stress can take the blame for that. 

Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can stimulate oil production and worsen inflammation. Stress doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can make existing acne more difficult to control.

Find healthy ways to manage your stress levels, which may help reduce any flare-ups.

3. Your skincare products may be working against you

Sometimes the problem isn’t your skin. The problem (or at least part of it) could be your skincare routine.

Heavy moisturizers, oil-based makeup, or products that clog pores (comedogenic products) can contribute to breakouts. On the other hand, over-cleansing or using harsh scrubs may strip your skin’s natural barrier, which then can cause irritation and prompt your skin to produce even more oil.

Our team can recommend products that are appropriate for your skin type.

Also, important: wash your face each morning and evening, and additionally after exercise.

4. Your makeup and skincare routine need a little refresh

Several everyday habits may contribute to adult acne, including:

• Not removing makeup before bed
• Frequently touching your face
• Wearing sweaty workout clothes for too long
• Sleeping on dirty pillowcases

If you’re guilty of these habits, it’s time to refresh your skincare and makeup routines. Swap out any pore-clogging makeup with non-comedogenic versions and always remove your makeup before bed.

5. Your diet and medications might be impacting your skin

Although diet isn’t the sole cause of acne, it’s true that what you eat does impact your skin health. Research published in JAAD International suggests that high-glycemic foods, such as sugary snacks, white bread, and sweetened beverages, and, for some people, dairy products, may contribute to breakouts. This is particularly true for those following a Western-style diet.

If you think your diet may be playing a role, try making gradual, healthy changes rather than eliminating entire food groups overnight. You might also consider a food and symptom journal to help you identify patterns between what you eat and your breakouts.

Certain medications list acne as a potential side effect. If you suspect that your medication is contributing to your acne, talk to Dr. Kolansky. Never stop or adjust your medication unless directed to do so by your prescribing provider.

6. Over-the-counter products aren’t always enough

If you’ve been trying acne washes, spot treatments, and social media skincare trends without success, it may be time for professional treatment. In some cases, social media trends may be doing more harm than good, especially if they aren’t intended for your skin type.

Get acne care meant for adults

Adult acne may need a different approach than teenage acne. Adult acne often requires prescription-strength therapies to control inflammation, reduce oil production, and prevent scarring.

It’s also important to be patient. Most acne treatments take four to eight weeks (and sometimes longer) to produce noticeable results. Throughout your treatment, Dr. Kolansky monitors your progress, adjusts your treatment plan as needed, and helps you manage any side effects to achieve the best possible results.

Ready to talk about adult acne? Call 732-204-8311 or use the Book Online button to schedule your next appointment.