Acne does not just affect teenagers. People over 30 can get it too, and it often lasts longer or feels harder to treat. This kind of acne usually shows up as deep pimples or cysts along the jawline, chin, or cheeks.
Hormones are the biggest reason for acne in adults over 30. Both men and women have androgens, which are male hormones. When androgen levels rise or get out of balance with estrogen, the skin makes too much oil. This oil, called sebum, clogs pores and leads to pimples. In women, this often happens before periods because progesterone goes up. It can also occur during pregnancy, after giving birth, or in menopause when estrogen drops.
Birth control can play a role. Starting or stopping pills or IUDs changes hormone levels and may cause breakouts. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, raise androgen levels. Women with PCOS might also have irregular periods, weight gain, extra facial hair, or thinning hair on the head.
Stress makes things worse. It raises cortisol, a hormone that boosts oil production and inflammation. Poor sleep has a similar effect by messing with hormones.
Diet matters for some people. Foods high in sugar, like sodas, pastries, or chocolate, spike insulin and androgens. Dairy, especially whey protein, can do the same. These increase oil and worsen acne.
Other health issues can contribute. Things like hypothyroidism or adrenal problems raise androgens. Some medicines, such as steroids, affect hormones too.
Wrong skincare habits add to the problem. Washing the face too much strips natural oils. The skin then makes even more oil to fight back, trapping dirt and bacteria.
Using the wrong products irritates skin and causes inflammation. Keeping a log of breakouts, diet, and stress can help spot patterns.
Sources
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://fashionmagazine.com/beauty-grooming/adult-acne-causes-treatments/
