Dealing With Adult Acne: Facts & Myths
March 28, 2025
Not only is acne frustrating to experience, but it’s also complicated to address. Navigating between fact and fiction for adult acne education and treatment can be as difficult as trying to solve it. So, let’s clear up some misconceptions– and hopefully your skin, too.
What is Adult Acne & What Causes It?
Adult acne is classified as a skin condition that people over the age of 25 experience. While comparable to teenage acne, adult acne originates from various causes and presents itself differently than it does in adolescents. Adults struggling with acne may attribute its source to one (or a combination) of the following:
- Medications
- Hormonal imbalances/changes
- Diet (especially highly-processed foods and dairy products)
- Comedogenic hair and skincare products
- Genetics
- High-stress level
Adult Acne Myths
In order to crack the code for clear skin, let’s first discuss and debunk some myths surrounding adult acne.
Adult Acne Myth #1: Only Aggressive Skincare Treatments Work
By default, a lot of people assume that the only true way to combat adult acne is with intense, aggressive treatments and products. This train of thought is heavily instilled in people who experienced acne in their teenage years. While some treatments and products certainly can help, it’s important not to over-treat your skin.
At its heart, acne is sensitivity and inflammation. Constantly meeting that with strong exfoliants and active ingredients can be overbearing for your skin. A successful skincare regimen comprises sensitive-skin-safe products to balance out the stronger ones. Similarly, gentle skincare treatments can work wonders on acne-prone skin.
Adult Acne Myth #2: You’re Not Washing Your Face Enough
Especially for those of us with oily skin, it can be incredibly tempting to wash your face many times to be rid of any excess oil. However, that ultimately does more harm than good. Regardless of your skin type and severity of acne, you should only wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Over washing skin can lead to an overproduction of oil and a compromised skin barrier, and thus, more acne.
Adult Acne Myth #3: Sunscreen Aggravates Acne
Not only does sun exposure amplify the aging process, it can also worsen hyperpigmentation and active acne with its UV rays. So, wearing sunscreen daily is incredibly important for protecting yourself from sun damage. The key to discovering the perfect sunscreen for acne is finding one that is non-comedogenic and mineral based, yet still strong enough to offer the protection you need. Browse our handpicked recommendations for medical-grade sun protection at the Centre for Pure Skin.
Actual Facts About Adult Acne
Now that we have a clean slate that is myth-free, let’s go over some facts about adult acne that can help you understand it better.
Adult Acne Fact #1: It’s More Common Than You May Think
While it can easily feel like you’re alone in your struggle against acne, many adults experience breakouts. In fact, about 25% of all adults experience acne. Women are more prone to breaking out as well. This is likely attributed to the hormonal fluctuations that women undergo during their menstrual cycles and/or menopause
Adult Acne Fact #2: Adults are More Likely to Scar
As part of the aging process, our skin loses collagen and elasticity. This results in a slower healing process, which translates to more inflamed acne and higher chances of acne scarring. However, the effects of scarring can be minimized and prevented with the right skincare procedures. In combatting adult acne, consistency and timeliness are everything. Avoid picking your skin for good measure, too.
What Are the Best Treatments for Adult Acne?
Chemical Peels for Adult Acne
Chemical peels function as a “reset button” for your skin. Chemical peels are an effective and safe resurfacing treatment that can be customized to suit your skincare needs. For adults with some types of active acne and/or acne scars, chemical peels work to brighten your skin, improve its texture, and minimize acne breakouts. Notably, chemical peels may involve a minor amount of downtime, making proper scheduling essential. Additionally, since the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight after a peel, incorporating effective sun protection measures is crucial during and after the treatment.
HydraFacial
Ultra gentle and perfect for all skin types, the HydraFacial treats some acne without causing irritation. Performing deep-level cleansing and exfoliations with infusions of vital nutrients, this treatment renews your skin and removes built-up congestion. Additionally, Hydrafacial treatments can be customized to target acne concerns like hyperpigmentation, skin irritation, enlarged pores, and uneven texture, providing a personalized solution for healthier, glowing skin. For severe acne, such as cystic breakouts, advanced dermatological treatments may be needed first.
Glo2 Oxygen Facial
Utilizing the power of oxygen, the Glo2 Oxygen Facial eliminates acne-causing bacteria from the surface of your skin. Not only does it target acne directly at its source, it also prevents future breakouts by removing impurities from the deeper levels of your skin and reducing the amount of sebum (or oil) your skin produces.
Treat Adult Acne With the Centre for Pure Skin
At the Centre for Pure Skin, we understand that a skincare regimen is not a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why our expert aestheticians carefully examine your skin and your medical history to develop the optimal adult acne treatment system for you– even if it means referring you to a dermatologist. Schedule a skincare consultation today to take a step towards clearer skin.