10 Surprising Causes of Adult Acne (and How to Get Rid of It)

Although the pimples look the same, grownup breakouts are different from the kind you had in high school. "Adult acne is usually on the lower half of the face; teen acne is typically on the upper half," says Francesca Fusco, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. And while teenage acne usually sits on the skin's surface, "adult acne is deeper and appears as cysts, or 'under the skin' pimples, which can't be drained."

"What's interesting is that you can get it [as an adult] even if you didn't have it as a teenager," says Dr. Fusco.

Read on to learn about 10 surprising causes of your adult acne and how to zap those zits away.

1. Hairstyling Products That Touch Your Skin Can Contribute to Acne

Your hairstyle matters, too: Bangs make acne worse by bringing skin-clogging hair products right against your forehead.

"Many times, what you're using on your hair winds up on your face, especially if you use products with spray applicators," Dr. Fried says.

2. Facial Hair Removal Can Lead to Acne in an Unexpected Way

Here, you're trading one complexion problem — facial hair — for another: bumpy skin.

Keep in mind that itchy bumps after hair removal might not be true acne, but rather "an irritation of the hair follicle that causes a transient rash," she says.

3. Using Too Many Skin-Care Products Can Aggravate Skin, Causing Acne

You might experiment with several new skin-care products a year. That's good for the cosmetics industry but bad for your skin.

Switching products or adding a new one before giving it a chance to work "challenges your skin with new preservatives and active ingredients, which can be irritating and cause breakouts," says Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a dermatologist and the founder of PFrankMD Skincare in New York City.

"I have patients who have acne because they switch between four or five different acne creams or use an astringent, facial wash, and spot cream, all with acne-fighting ingredients," Dr. Frank says. "This tears their skin apart."

"It takes that long for skin to turn over, so you really have to give it that adjustment time," Frank explains.

Need another reason to stop dabbling with acne "cures"? You'll save money at the drugstore and free up space in your medicine cabinet.

4. Your Makeup Remover (or Lack Thereof) May Trigger Acne

The problem isn't only the products, but also how you remove the makeup, Frank warns.

"Either women clean their skin in a cursory manner, or because they're wearing mineral makeup they think they don't need to wash their face thoroughly," he adds.

After a long day, makeup, oil, and dirt build up. This is a triple threat that can easily clog your pores, trapping acne-causing bacteria and triggering breakouts.

5. Traveling Can Wreak Havoc on Your Skin, Contributing to Breakouts

Ever wonder why your skin looks less clear and more stressed after a vacation?

That's because a change of environment — such as the sun, heat, and humidity — can trigger acne.

"Your skin's not used to those things, so it's being challenged and reacts by breaking out," Frank says.

6. Heavier Sunscreens May Promote Breakouts

Sunscreen is a must-have if you have acne-prone skin, but which sunscreen is right for you?

"People with acne or acne-prone skin should look for oil-free, noncomedogenic sunscreens," says Yoram Harth, MD, a dermatologist and the chief medical officer of MDacne in San Francisco. "Heavier" sunscreens that aren't labeled as oil-free can clog the skin pores and cause more acne, he says.

And don't forget to wash your sunscreen off your skin after a day in the sun. Even sheer, lightweight sunscreens can clog pores if left on overnight.

7. A Diet High in Processed Food and Refined Carbs May Lead to Acne

As teens, we believed that greasy grub and chocolate cake caused our pimples. And that might hold true for you now that you're an adult.

There may also be a link between acne and dairy, according to Harth.

Zit Zapper Cut back on snacks like chips and ice cream and switch to whole grains, veggies, fruits, and high-protein foods.

8. Stress Is Accompanied by Hormonal Changes That Increase Your Risk for Acne

Even "good" stress, like getting ready for a big event, might trigger breakouts. That's why a huge pimple pops up on your wedding day or before a big date.

9. Cell Phones Can Transfer Acne-Causing Bacteria to Your Face

All that on-the-go chatting is great — keeping you in touch with friends, family, and the office. But for your complexion? Not so much.

"Throughout the day, you expose your cell phone to surfaces with bacteria on them, and when you talk on the phone, you put this bacteria close to your mouth," Fusco says.

Zit Zapper Give your phone a rest every once in a while, and clean it with an alcohol wipe daily.

10. Dry Skin, Like Oily Skin, Is a Possible Culprit in Acne Breakouts

Zit Zapper Gently exfoliate your skin a few times a week and hydrate with a noncomedogenic moisturizer intended for dry skin.

How Can I Prevent Breakouts?

One of the most effective ways to manage acne flares is to practice preventive strategies routinely to help keep your skin clear. "Be consistent with your skin-care routines — preventative treatments are better than chasing after a breakout," says Susan Massick, MD, a professor of dermatology at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, in Westerville. Try some of these strategies.

Consider your supplements or medications. "One pattern I see in my practice is that adults with acne are more likely than teens to be taking medications or supplements that promote acne, says Allison Arthur, MD, a dermatologist at Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando. "I have treated many cases of severe adult acne that were triggered by testosterone, progesterone-only methods of pregnancy prevention, high-dose biotin, or vitamin B12." One of her top recommendations for adults who want to prevent acne: Talk to your doctor about any supplements or medications you may be taking and ask about their potential impact on acne.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning, at night, and also right after a sweaty workout. "Never miss washing at night before bed to remove oil, sweat, makeup, and environmental pollutants," says Dr. Arthur. "But skip scrubs, as they can be harsh and damage the skin barrier." Another pro tip: "I keep a stack of washcloths next to my sink and use a clean one to pat my face dry after each washing, rather than drying with a hand towel that's been used multiple times," she says.

Read your skin-care and makeup labels. Choose skin-care and makeup products that are labeled noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic, and avoid ones that contain fragrances, says Dr. Massick.

Stick to healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a well-balanced diet, control your stress, exercise regularly, and get restful sleep to help your skin stay healthy and prevent acne flares, says Massick.

Keep your hands off your face and avoid picking at your skin or squeezing any of the breakouts. "Picking your skin or popping pimples will actually lead to more inflammation, more discoloration, and potential for scarring," says Massick.

Best Treatment Options for Adult Acne

Treatment should be customized for each person on the basis of their skin type, severity of acne, and likely triggers, says Massick. "There is no one-size-fits-all plan," she says. In general, the goals are to control the acne, protect the skin barrier, minimize irritation, and prevent scarring. "Combination therapy tends to work the best, starting with topicals and adding in oral/systemic medications if necessary, Massick says.

Overall, treatments for adults and teens with acne are similar, though adult skin tends to fare better with gentler medications and products, says Arthur. "In my practice, I find that many of my teen patients tend to have oilier skin and can tolerate topical acne medications like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid better than adults," she says. "For adults, I may use a gentler product like azelaic acid because it causes less irritation."

Here are some common treatments doctors use for adult acne.

Topical Treatments These include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, dapsone, clascoterone, or azelaic acid. "Topical retinoids help to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent the pores from clogging, but adults also appreciate the cosmetic benefits of long-term use, such as increased collagen production, fewer fine lines, smoother texture, and more even skin tone," says Arthur.