Why Does Acne Become More Painful With Age
Many people think acne is just for teenagers, but it often sticks around or starts up again in adulthood, and it can hurt more than it did when you were young. In adults, especially women over 30, acne tends to form deeper, more inflamed spots that throb and ache because of changes in hormones and skin over time.
Teen acne usually shows up as surface-level pimples on the forehead, nose, or cheeks from puberty hormones ramping up oil production. Those spots are often red and bumpy but not too deep. As you age, though, the skin’s oil glands keep reacting to androgens, which are hormones like testosterone that make more oil no matter your gender. This oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores deeper inside the skin.
What makes it painful is the inflammation that builds up. Bacteria get trapped in those clogged pores, causing swelling and pus that presses on nerves. Adult acne loves the jawline, chin, and neck areas, where it forms cysts or nodules, these are hard, tender lumps under the skin that feel sore to touch. Unlike teen zits that pop and heal fast, these deeper ones last longer and hurt more because the inflammation spreads wider.
Hormones play a big role here. In women, cycles like periods, pregnancy, or menopause cause hormone shifts that boost androgens and drop estrogen. This imbalance leads to extra oil and stickier skin cells that block pores tighter. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, raise androgen levels even more, making acne stubborn and painful for many adults. Stress adds fuel too, as it spikes cortisol, a hormone that cranks up oil and swelling.
Skin changes with age make things worse. Older skin has thinner barriers and slower healing, so irritation from bacteria or even harsh cleansers turns into bigger flare-ups. Overwashing strips natural oils, prompting glands to overproduce, which clogs things further and amps up the pain. Diet matters too, with dairy or sugary foods possibly spiking insulin and hormones that worsen breakouts.
In men, adult acne might link to ongoing androgen effects or meds like steroids, but it hits women harder overall. These painful spots can dent confidence and signal health issues like thyroid problems or adrenal glitches that need a doctor’s check.
Gentle care helps, like using non-clogging products and avoiding squeezes that spread bacteria and boost pain. Seeing a skin doctor early can target the root causes for relief.
Sources
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormonal-acne-adults-acne-causes-skin-hormones-explained-474128
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.pristyncare.com/consult/what-are-the-most-common-reasons-for-acne/
https://www.iyasuhealthcare.com/about-2
https://www.vinmec.com/eng/blog/differentiate-common-pimples-and-skin-cancer-en
https://www.awpnaples.com/pcos-and-endometriosis-common-overlooked-causes-of-pain/
https://www.dignityhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/womens-services/perimenopause/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
