Adult Acne: Understanding the Root Causes & Clearing Your Skin
Acne isn’t just a teenage struggle—many adults experience breakouts well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Unlike adolescent acne, adult acne is often driven by deeper imbalances, including hormones, stress, and gut health.
The good news? A holistic approach can help rebalance the skin and bring back a clear, healthy glow.
Why Do Adults Get Acne?
Adult acne is often linked to internal factors that trigger excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation.
Common culprits include:
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
- Breakouts around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks often signal hormonal imbalances.
- Stress, menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and PCOS can all contribute to flare-ups.
2. Gut & Digestive Health
- An imbalanced gut microbiome or sluggish digestion can trigger systemic inflammation, leading to breakouts.
- Food sensitivities, processed foods, and high sugar intake can disrupt gut-skin balance.
3. Chronic Stress & Cortisol
- High stress levels increase cortisol, which can overstimulate oil glands and trigger acne.
- Poor sleep and high caffeine intake can also worsen stress-related breakouts.
4. Skincare & Lifestyle Habits
- Using the wrong skincare (or over-exfoliating) can damage the skin barrier and lead to inflammation.
- Dirty makeup brushes, touching the face, and infrequent pillowcase changes can also contribute.
Supporting Your Skin Naturally
As an esthetician and integrative health practitioner, I don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions—but I do help support skin health by rebalancing the body from the inside out.
Here’s how:
1. Professional Skin Treatments
Regular facials with deep cleansing, extractions, and soothing treatments can help manage acne. Treatments like LED light therapy and chemical peels can also be beneficial.
Book a clearing facial or treatment here.
2. At-Home Skincare
A consistent skincare routine with gentle exfoliation, oil-balancing ingredients, and hydration is key. Look for:
- Niacinamide (reduces inflammation and oil production)
- Salicylic acid (unclogs pores and targets breakouts)
- Retinol (helps with cell turnover and post-acne marks)
Let’s customize a regimen for your skin. Schedule your consultation here.
3. Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments
Because insulin resistance and inflammation often play a role in acneic skin issues, balancing blood sugar through nutrition can be a game-changer. Prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while reducing processed carbs, can support clearer, balanced skin.
4. Foundational Nutrition
Balanced nutrition is key for clear skin. A strong foundation includes:
- High-quality multivitamin (fills nutrient gaps that impact skin health)
- Essential minerals (like zinc, which supports acne-prone skin)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (help reduce inflammation and redness)
- Probiotics (support gut-skin connection and reduce breakouts)
Take a look at my foundational regimen here.
5. Targeted Supplements
If acne is persistent, additional support may be helpful:
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Helps balance estrogen levels for hormone-related acne
- Spearmint tea or extract – Can help lower androgens that trigger oil production
- Vitamin A – Supports skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation
Not sure what’s right for you? We can explore a customized approach. Let’s chat about your skin’s needs.
6. At-Home Lab Testing
Want to understand what’s driving your breakouts? Functional lab testing can help uncover hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, and nutrient deficiencies.
Functional at-home lab testing can provide real insights into your body. Book a discovery call to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Adult acne is complex, but with the right approach, you can achieve clearer skin. By focusing on skincare, nutrition, and internal balance, you’ll see lasting improvements.
Need guidance? I’d love to help you find the best approach for your unique skin needs. Let’s start your skin health journey today.