Having acne in your mid-20’s or later is actually not uncommon at all… so you’re not alone! Acne is a hormone-driven skin condition, which is why it most commonly occurs in teenagers. Hormonal changes don’t stop at puberty though; genetics, lifestyle, pregnancy, diet changes, certain chronic medical conditions (like polycystic ovary syndrome) and just ageing in general can all throw your hormones out of balance and cause acne to flare up.

There are a few options available for adult (hormonal) acne, depending on the severity. Not all skin is alike, so in the absence of doing a proper Skin Assessment, here are some things to consider:

Firstly, make sure you’re using high-quality skincare products. I can’t stress the importance of QUALITY skincare enough… you’ll generally find the best quality skincare at a dedicated skincare clinic, not over the counter or in a beauty salon. The wrong choice here can make your acne far worse.  Quality DOES NOT mean EXPENSIVE – if you need help selecting a skincare range in your budget, please get in contact with our clinic, we’re happy to provide recommendations.

Secondly, speak to your GP about your concerns. This is particularly important if you’re finding the acne is affecting your lifestyle and confidence or is scarring. The sooner you seek help for treating acne, the better the outcome. Your GP may prescribe oral antibiotics to target the acne-causing bacteria or sometimes a contraceptive pill, which can help “level out” the hormones which are causing excess sebum (oil) production in the skin. If your acne is severe, your GP will write you a referral to see a dermatologist.

And finally, in-clinic treatments like LED phototherapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion or Kleresca can all have their place depending on the type and severity of your acne.

It’s important to remember that there is no “quick fix” for adult acne (or any skin concern)… the best outcome will require dedication and consistency to skin health over a period of time.

If you’d like to book a consultation or get more information on adult acne, contact us.