Acne used to be seen as a teenage problem that goes away after the teen years. Now, more adults around the world are dealing with it, and the numbers keep climbing. Market reports show adult acne therapy as the fastest growing part of the anti-aging industry, with the overall anti-aging market hitting 77.96 billion dollars in 2025 and expected to double by 2035.[1] Skincare products for acne-prone skin are also booming, valued at 4.30 billion dollars in 2025 and projected to reach 5.27 billion by 2032.[3]
Studies confirm this trend. In Finland, a recent study of nearly 1,900 women found that 31 percent of 35-year-olds have acne on their face or back, with 26 percent affected on the face alone.[2] Globally, acne affects about 9.4 percent of people, making it the eighth most common disease, and adult cases often start or persist after age 25.[6] Among adults aged 20 to 40, around 45 percent now experience it, especially women.[3] In Canada, about 5.6 million people have acne, driving fast market growth there.[4]
Several factors explain why adult acne is on the rise. Stress from modern life plays a big role, as it triggers hormones that clog pores and cause inflammation.[5] Pollution in growing cities, especially in Asia-Pacific where the market grows fastest at over 5 percent yearly, worsens skin by irritating pores and increasing oil production.[3][5] Sedentary lifestyles and rising obesity, common in places like North America which leads the market with 40 percent share, add to the problem by changing hormone levels and skin health.[1]
Hormonal shifts in adults, particularly in women, keep acne going or start it later in life. While teen acne hits boys and girls about equally, adult acne strikes women more often and tends to relapse.[6][7] Many adults do not spot their own symptoms or seek treatment, leaving mild cases to linger and hurt quality of life more than teen acne does.[2]
Demand for solutions is surging. The acne therapeutics market will reach 9.06 billion dollars in 2025, growing to 11.51 billion by 2030, fueled by better awareness and new products like microbiome-friendly serums.[4][5] Brands now target adult skin with gentle, effective options beyond basic cleansers.
Sources
https://www.precedenceresearch.com/anti-aging-market
https://pharmacyupdate.online/2025/12/adult-acne-affects-up-to-one-third-of-35-year-old-finnish-women/
https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/skincare-s-for-acne-prone-skin-market-22968
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/acne-therapeutics-market
https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/acne-improving-skincare-s-market-22970
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12691598/
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness-around-the-world/article-879585
