Why Won't My Acne Go Away as an Adult?

Adult acne can be frustrating, especially when breakouts continue long after the teenage years or seem to return no matter what you try. Persistent acne in adults can be influenced by hormones, excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, stress, certain medications, and other factors, which is why over-the-counter products do not always provide lasting improvement. At Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa, our team offers a range of adult acne treatments, including prescription topical medications, oral antibiotics, laser therapy, chemical peels, and extractions, depending on the type and severity of the breakouts. 

Because chronic adult acne can have more than one underlying cause, finding the right treatment often starts with identifying what may be contributing to it. Below, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons adult acne in West Palmdale, CA, persists and which treatment options may help clear stubborn breakouts. 

 

What causes acne in adults? 

Adult acne can develop for many of the same reasons as teenage acne, but the triggers are not always the same. In some cases, acne may linger because several of these factors are happening at the same time rather than because of one obvious cause. Common causes of adult acne include:  

• Hormonal changes 
• Excess oil production 
• Clogged pores 
• Bacteria 
• Stress 
• Certain medications 
• Comedogenic skin or hair products 

Pinpointing the cause can make treatment much more targeted than simply trying one acne product after another. 

 

Will adult acne go away on its own? 

Sometimes, acne improves as hormone levels or other triggers settle down, but persistent adult acne does not always disappear without treatment. Breakouts that continue for months, keep returning in the same areas, or leave dark spots and scars are signs that it may be time to look beyond over-the-counter acne products. Waiting it out can also allow inflammation and scarring to continue. If acne has become a long-term problem, a dermatology evaluation can help identify what type of acne you have and which treatment is most likely to help. 

 

What can I do for adult acne? 

Professional acne treatment can be especially helpful when store-bought products are not doing enough. At Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa, our team may recommend prescription topical treatments with ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide, along with oral antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline when appropriate. Laser acne treatment can help reduce acne-causing bacteria, redness, and some of the discoloration left behind by breakouts. Chemical peels and extractions may also be useful depending on whether acne is primarily clogged pores, inflamed blemishes, or a combination of both. 

For patients who are struggling with the painful reminder of previous acne scars, we also offer acne scar treatment to smooth your complexion. The best treatment plan often involves more than one approach, and our team can help you identify which solution may be safest, most appropriate, and most effective for you. 

 

What are lifestyle changes to help adult acne? 

Lifestyle changes will not fix every case of adult acne, but they can help support treatment and reduce some common triggers. Using noncomedogenic skin care and makeup, washing gently instead of scrubbing, avoiding picking at blemishes, and keeping hair products off acne-prone areas can all make a difference. 

Stress management, adequate sleep, and paying attention to whether certain products or habits seem to trigger breakouts may also be useful. If lifestyle changes to help acne alone are not enough, they can still work alongside prescription or in-office acne treatments to help keep skin calmer and reduce future flare-ups. 

 

Clear up stubborn breakouts with adult acne treatment in West Palmdale, CA 

Adult acne can be persistent, but that does not mean you have to keep cycling through products that never seem to work. At Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa in West Palmdale, CA, our team offers prescription medications, laser therapy, chemical peels, and extractions to address different types and causes of adult acne. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out which acne treatment options may help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.