The prevalence of adult acne is rising sharply, particularly among women in their twenties and thirties. This trend has gained traction on social media, with dermatologists linking the increase to various systemic health changes, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental factors. A viral TikTok video by Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, highlights these concerns, reaching over 122,000 views since its posting in September 2023.
Dr. Turegano aims to raise awareness about the underlying causes of this troubling trend. In her video, she stated, “It’s been on the rise for the last 20+ years. Adult acne is different from teenage acne, and it’s so common. Fifty percent of women, especially in their 20s, have experienced adult acne, and 35 percent of people experience adult acne.” The condition is recognized as the most common skin issue in the United States, affecting approximately 50 million Americans each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The rise in adult acne is not just anecdotal; dermatologists report increased patient visits from adults experiencing breakouts well into their forties and beyond. While many associate acne with adolescence, experts indicate that adult cases are often hormonally driven. Factors such as chronic stress, lack of sleep, diets high in ultra-processed foods, and exposure to environmental chemicals are believed to contribute to the condition.
Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, a board-certified dermatologist with over ten years of clinical experience, corroborates this trend. She noted, “In my practice and in conversations with colleagues, adult acne absolutely feels more common, especially in women in their 20s through 40s. The main causes can be hormonal shifts, chronic stress, certain medications, occlusive makeup and sunscreens, and diet patterns that spike insulin.”
The characteristics of adult acne also differ from those experienced during teenage years. Unlike teenage acne, which generally occurs on the forehead and cheeks, adult acne tends to cluster around the lower face, chin, and jawline, often presenting as more inflammatory lesions.
Effective treatment for adult acne may involve a tailored approach. According to Dr. Turegano, while there is overlap in treatment strategies for both teenage and adult acne, there are additional therapies specific to adults. She advises that if acne is painful, causes scarring, or does not improve with over-the-counter products, consulting a dermatologist is essential for developing a personalized treatment plan.
With a holistic view of skin health, Dr. Turegano connects the rise in adult acne to broader systemic health issues affecting women. She suspects that factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and personal care products may be disrupting hormonal balance. “Hormonal changes at different phases of women’s lives can play a huge role,” she explained in her TikTok video. “But also things like stress, sleep, poor nutrition, pollution, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We are seeing a rise in other hormonal diseases.”
The causes of adult acne are multifaceted. Everyday triggers, including friction from helmets or tight masks, and heavy layering of skincare products, can exacerbate breakouts. Dr. Kanwal suggests a combination treatment approach involving a retinoid at night, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for breakout-prone areas, and sometimes topical antibiotics or azelaic acid for redness and pigmentation.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists hormonal changes, stress, and cosmetic products as leading causes of adult acne. Dr. Turegano emphasizes that dermatological treatment should not only focus on visible symptoms but also seek to understand and address root causes. “Those treatments are often limited to addressing symptoms,” she noted. “Looking at internal, lifestyle, and environmental factors can help address the root causes as well.”
In her practice and public outreach, Dr. Turegano recommends starting with a simple skincare routine: a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning. She advocates for the inclusion of active ingredients like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid to make significant improvements.
Ultimately, Dr. Turegano encourages a broader perspective on acne, viewing it as an external indicator of internal health. “I want people to start thinking about acne through a broader lens and consider how our modern environment might be impacting both our skin and our overall health,” she concluded.
As the conversation around adult acne continues to evolve, it remains clear that increased awareness and understanding of the condition’s complexities are vital for effective management and treatment.
