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Once your teenage years are behind you, you may think you’re done with breakouts. But you’re not alone if you have acne in your 30s (or beyond). Adult acne is common, whether you had breakouts as a teen or not.

The good news is there are many types of adult acne treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

Acne Basics

Even though we associate breakouts with teenagers, anyone can get acne. And no matter how old you are, pimples form the same way.

Your skin has tiny holes called pores. At the bottom of each pore is a hair follicle containing an oil gland. Oil and dead skin cells can block the pores, trapping bacteria and causing acne.

Types of acne include:

• Blackheads. Plugged follicles that open up on the surface of the skin. The air mixes with oil to darken the blemish.
• Nodules. Cysts deep in the skin. They can feel solid and painful.
• Papules. Small, pink bumps on the skin.
• Pimples. Papules filled with white or yellow pus. They are sometimes red at the base.
• Whiteheads. Plugged follicles beneath the surface of the skin. They produce a white bump.

Why Am I Breaking Out Now?

If you’re over 25, you may wonder: Why is my face breaking out — and why now? It can feel especially frustrating if you didn’t have acne as a teen.

Adult acne causes include:

• Genetics. It’s unfortunate but true: Adult acne tends to run in families. So, if your parents or siblings have adult acne, you’re more likely to get it, too.
• Hormonal shifts. Women are more likely than men to get adult acne, and many have flare-ups right before their periods. The hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause can also stimulate oil glands, triggering breakouts.
• Side effects of medicine. Some steroids may cause acne. Certain prescription drugs used to treat depression, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder may also affect adult skin.
• Smoking. Smokers are more prone to breakouts than non-smokers. Smoking harms the immune system. That affects all parts of your body, including your skin.
• Stress. Stress can ramp up your hormones, which may lead to more acne. And if you’re stressed, you may not sleep well, eat healthfully, or care for your skin — all of which may trigger breakouts.
• Using the wrong skin care products. Moisturizers, makeup, and hair care products can all contain ingredients that clog pores.

Adult Acne Treatment

If you have mild adult acne, start with over-the-counter (OTC) products that go on your skin. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy them. Look for products that contain one of the following ingredients:

• Adapalene. A retinoid treatment that helps clear inflamed, red pimples, as well as whiteheads and blackheads.
• Azelaic acid. This topical product treats both rosacea and acne. It can also help fade dark spots on your skin from acne scars.
• Benzoyl peroxide. This treatment is best for mild acne. Side effects can include dry, irritated skin. Start with a low dose (products with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide) every other day and work up to a higher dosage.
• Salicylic acid. It decreases inflammation and helps the skin shed the dead cells that can clog pores. It works well on whiteheads and blackheads. Doctors also use it for warts, corns, and callouses.

One caveat: Acne medications take time to work. Be patient; it may be several weeks before you see improvement in your skin. Try one new product at a time to avoid over-treating your skin and causing more problems.

If OTC medicines don’t help your acne, you should plan a visit with a board-certified dermatologist (skin doctor). There are prescription medicines to help fight adult acne, including antibiotics and retinoids.

Dos and Don’ts for Healthier Skin

No matter how old you are, taking good care of your skin can lead to a healthier complexion and fewer breakouts. Here are some ways to get clearer skin.

Do:

• Drink lots of water. Your skin needs to stay hydrated to be healthy. Dry skin produces more oil, leading to clogged pores and more breakouts.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep your hair off your face. Hair can trap dirt, oil, and sweat, leading to blemishes.
• Remove makeup before working out. Use a clean towel to blot sweat after exercising. Shower as soon as you finish a workout, as dried sweat can clog pores.
• Use a mild cleanser to wash your face. Skip harsh products like astringents.
• Use oil-free makeup, cleansers, and moisturizers. Look for phrases like “non-comedogenic,” “non-acnegenic,” or “won’t clog pores” on labels.

Don’t:

• Over cleanse. You should wash your face twice daily — in the morning and before bedtime. Washing your face too often can irritate the skin and make it more prone to blemishes.
• Scrub your face, which can lead to irritation and more breakouts. Use gentle motions to cleanse, then pat dry with a clean towel.
• Sleep in makeup. It can clog your pores overnight.
• Squeeze pimples. As tempting as it may be, popping a pimple can lead to scarring and infection. You may also force pus deeper into your skin, which delays healing and can lead to more breakouts.

When to See a Doctor for Adult Acne

There are times when you should see a dermatologist for adult acne. Call a dermatologist if:

• Adult acne is causing you emotional distress. There are many simple treatments for acne, and there’s no reason to suffer in silence.
• Dark spots on your skin develop after your acne clears. Dark spots may mean your skin is still inflamed.
• OTC medications aren’t helping your acne. You may need stronger medicine. Stubborn acne can also be a sign of an endocrine disorder or other health condition.
• You have deep, painful cysts, or your acne is leaving scars.
• You have redness, tenderness, or other signs of a skin infection.
• You notice an unusual blemish. Adults should see a dermatologist for a whole-body skin check once a year. A dermatologist can catch and treat any problems that might lead to skin cancer.
• Your acne suddenly gets worse.
• You’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Your doctor can tell you which skin medicines are safe during pregnancy.