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Adult acne is common, and there are effective treatment options available. Understanding why acne occurs and what may be contributing to your symptoms is often the first step towards achieving clearer skin.
Acne develops when hair follicles and pores become blocked with oil (sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria. Acne can affect the face, chest, shoulders and back, although the face is the area most commonly affected — and the severity varies considerably from person to person.
Understanding that acne is a medical condition rather than simply a hygiene issue is important. Acne is not caused by poor cleanliness, and excessive washing can sometimes make symptoms worse.
Adult acne is more common than many people realise. While teenage acne is often linked to puberty, adult acne can have a variety of causes and contributing factors. Some people continue to experience acne from adolescence into adulthood, while others develop it later in life despite having clear skin in their teenage years.
The important thing to remember is that effective treatment options are available regardless of your age.
Hormones play a significant role in many cases of adult acne. Changes in hormone levels can increase oil production within the skin, making blocked pores and breakouts more likely. Hormonal acne often affects the lower face and jawline, and many patients notice breakouts follow a predictable pattern linked to hormonal changes.
If hormones are contributing to your acne, treatment may need to address the underlying cause rather than simply focusing on the spots themselves.
Stress does not directly cause acne, but it can make existing acne worse. When you’re under stress, the body produces higher levels of cortisol, which can increase oil production in the skin — contributing to blocked pores and an environment where acne is more likely to develop.
While lifestyle changes alone may not completely resolve acne, they can play an important role in supporting skin health and reducing flare-ups. Many patients find that a combination of treatment, good skincare habits and stress management produces the best results.
Acne can present in different ways, and understanding the type of acne you have can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Occur when pores become blocked but remain open at the surface. They appear as small dark spots and are not caused by dirt.
Develop when blocked pores remain closed. They often appear as small white or flesh-coloured bumps.
Inflamed spots that may appear red and tender, or contain pus. Among the most common forms of acne.
Deeper, more severe lesions that develop beneath the skin. They can be painful and may increase the risk of scarring. Professional treatment is particularly important for this type.
Many people spend months trying different over-the-counter acne products before seeking professional advice. While some can be helpful, they may not always be strong enough to manage persistent or moderate acne.
It’s also common to switch products too frequently, making it difficult to assess whether a treatment is actually helping. If you’ve been trying multiple products without improvement, it may be time to consider alternative options.
Many people delay seeking help in the hope that acne will eventually clear on its own. However, persistent acne often responds best when appropriate treatment is started sooner rather than later.
Seeking treatment early can often help prevent symptoms from becoming more difficult to manage.
The most suitable treatment depends on the severity of your acne and the factors contributing to it. During a consultation, we assess your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments to help identify the most appropriate option for you.
The aim is not only to improve existing acne but also to reduce future breakouts and minimise the risk of scarring. Many patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, although some treatments require longer to achieve their full effect. Consistency is often one of the most important factors in successful acne treatment.
If you’re struggling with persistent acne, you’re not alone. Our pharmacy team can help assess your symptoms, discuss your treatment history, and recommend appropriate options based on your individual needs.
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