Adult Acne

How is Adult Acne is Formed?

Adult acne is formed just like adolescent acne. Acne is created within the pilosebaceous unit. The pilosebaceous unit includes the sebaceous gland, hair shaft, and hair follicle. When the pilosebaceous unit does not expel the sebum as it should, the hair follicle becomes clogged. This clogged hair follicle can develop into any number of acne lesions. These acne lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. For more information, see the "What is Acne?" post. Adult acne is becoming more and more common.

Hormonal Disharmony

Acne can essentially be considered a hormonal disorder. Hormones play different roles during the life cycle. Therefore, adults can experience adverse reactions to hormones just as when they were teenagers.

Males

Males do not experience drastic hormonal fluctuations after puberty. Therefore, acne in adult males is usually derived from outside influences on hormone levels. Some outside influences could include diet, medications, or physical ailments. 

Females

Adult acne is more common in females than males. Females experience more hormonal fluctuations.Therefore, adverse reactions to these fluctuations are common.  Females are likely to have acne lesions due to pregnancies, menstrual cycles, peri-menopause and menopause. Females are also likely to have acne breakouts after beginning or discontinuing birth control pills. 

Find out about acne treatments:

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