Acne often sticks around for years because it is a chronic condition driven by ongoing factors like hormones, bacteria, and lifestyle habits that treatments rarely fix completely. Many people think acne is just a teen problem, but it can linger into adulthood or start later due to these persistent triggers.
Hormones play a big role in keeping acne going. During puberty, monthly cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, shifts in hormones like androgens boost oil production from skin glands. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores, trapping bacteria that cause swelling and pimples. In adults, especially women, this shows up as breakouts along the jawline, chin, or cheeks. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, raise androgen levels, making acne even harder to shake. Stress adds to it by releasing cortisol, another hormone that ramps up oil and inflammation.
Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, thrive in those clogged pores, leading to redness and pus-filled spots. Even if you use creams or pills to kill some bacteria, they keep coming back unless the root clogs are cleared. Genetics make some people more prone, so if family members had long-term acne, you might too.
Daily habits keep the cycle alive. Oily or heavy skincare and makeup can block pores further. Washing too hard strips the skin, prompting it to make even more oil. Diets high in sugar, dairy, or fast carbs spike insulin and hormones, worsening flares. Poor sleep and constant stress disrupt balance, letting acne flare up again. Gut health issues or insulin resistance can also fuel it from inside the body.
Treatments like topicals or antibiotics often control symptoms but do not cure the chronic inflammation in oil glands and follicles. Acne returns if you stop or if triggers like hormones or diet persist. Over time, without tackling these, it can scar or leave red marks.
Seeing a dermatologist helps pinpoint your specific causes, like hormone tests for PCOS or diet tweaks. Gentle routines, low-sugar eating, and stress management can reduce breakouts over time.
Sources
https://www.advanceddermatologypc.com/conditions/acne/
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.kcnaturopathic.com/acne
https://www.fivensondermatology.com/acne
https://www.apollopharmacy.in/health-queries/AZI0771/i-have-had-acne-6-years-why-does-it-keep-recurring-despite-using-treatments
https://www.woodsidemd.com/post/adult-acne-or-rosacea-why-the-difference-matters-more-than-you-think
