Why do adults still get acne?

If you thought acne ended with high school, you are not alone in finding that it did not.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that some adults continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. So you are far from the only adult with breakouts.

These answers are written for adults in Madera, and they hold the same in Madera Acres, Fairmead and the rest of the county.

Tracking breakouts and changing one thing at a time

Start by noting when breakouts show up and what you have been using on your skin. Keep your routine simple and change one thing at a time so you can tell what helps. Nothing in this step needs a prescription or special tools.

Adult acne and peel reading

The American Academy of Dermatology page on adult acne is written for readers with no background. If you want to see what in-office care can involve, a PubMed Central article on chemical peels in acne treatment describes how patients are selected for them.

Office treatments as a bigger step

Office treatments are a bigger step than a home routine, so try the simple steps first and see whether they are enough.

Deep, painful or marking breakouts

Deep, painful bumps, breakouts that leave marks, or skin that has not improved after a steady routine are all reasons to be seen.

Does diet play a part?

Readers often ask whether what they eat is playing a part. Diet and acne get their own page on this site.