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Why Do We Struggle with Acne Even as Adults?
In The Know with Dr. Parker | June 2026
There are many forms of acne, and it can look different at various stages of life. So let’s break it down, because we all know, no matter what age, none of us wants acne!
Not only does it affect teenagers, but we also see many adult patients and clients in Williston, VT and the greater Burlington area who struggle with acne. Some can even experience acne for the first time as an adult. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is especially common in women, and hormonal shifts are one of the main contributors to acne.
At Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa in Williston, VT, we understand how frustrating acne can be at any stage in life and how it can affect daily life and mental health. Acne treatment needs thoughtful evaluation, backed by science and clinically proven strategies. Remember that real results require real care.
Why do I have acne even after my teenage years?
Acne is a medical skin condition and is driven by a multitude of factors such as genetics, hormones, bacteria, inflammation, underlying conditions, diet, and even skin regimens.
Life stages that typically impact acne
- Puberty
- Monthly hormonal shifts
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Times of stress and high cortisol levels
- Changes in skincare, diet, makeup, or medications
A helpful approach to acne you may not have heard before
Instead of asking “Why am I still breaking out?” a better question to ask might be…
“What may be driving my acne right now?” …
A common misconception is that acne lesions arise overnight. The truth is, it actually takes weeks to form and is a slow development transpiring beneath the surface. Our medical esthetician, Andria, adds, “One of the biggest things I see is clients overtreating their skin and damaging their skin barrier, which actually makes acne worse.”
If you struggle with acne, tracking its occurrence, the products you’re using at the time, the timing and location of the acne, and any lifestyle shifts, is a valuable step. Identifying these potential triggers provides essential context in understanding often overlooked patterns or contributors to acne.
It’s more than surface level, aesthetic wellness looks at your skin health as a whole…
- For some, it might be inflammatory patterns.
- For others, it’s during menstrual cycle changes.
- Perhaps taking up a new sport that requires a helmet can lead to breakouts by trapping perspiration and acne-triggering bacteria against the skin.
- It could be a stressful exam that’s coming up causing higher cortisol levels.
Regardless of the driver, taking a moment consistently to track things such as:
- Lifestyle changes
- Phase of the menstrual cycle
- Perimenopause symptoms
- Hygiene practices, such as did I wash my face today after my workout?
- Skincare habits
Document your skin’s progress and identify any notable shifts; it’s an underrated, yet valuable step that helps you take back control of your skin. You might be surprised by what might be contributing to breakouts!
Your skin deserves more than guesswork
A key point is that we don’t want you to dismiss your acne or feel like it’s something you have to live with. It’s more than a “cosmetic” fix; it’s a condition that we know affects confidence, comfort, and your overall future skin health. We may not always get down to the root cause of why, but the good news is that many therapies do work for acne.
Clear skin comes from consistency, not doing everything at once
At Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa, we believe acne deserves thoughtful evaluation, not oversimplification, false claims, or overmarketed advice. We know acne is not a “one treatment and it’s cured” condition. And it’s also not a more-is-better approach. For this reason, we are avoiding recommending any specific products or procedures. We will leave a few suggestions; however, the main point is that you are unique, and a system that works for one person may not work for another. Seeking professional expert advice is highly recommended and worthwhile when it comes to a complex skin condition like acne.
A customized acne treatment plan requires steps, patience, and not trying everything at once. When it comes to supporting clearer, healthier skin in a way that is medically advanced, let us take the guesswork out for you!
What a customized acne plan might include at Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa:
- Targeted topical agents and skincare modifications
- Prescription oral medications
- Instructions for a morning and nighttime skincare regimen
- Broadband Light, or BBL, for Acne to reduce inflammation and bacteria
- Laser treatments or chemical peels
- Microneedling to repair damaged skin once acne is under control
To better manage your skin health, keep these essential insights in mind:
- Customized Expert Care is Essential: Treatment must be tailored to the specific form of acne and life stage, as what works for others may not be effective for you.
- Prioritize Science-backed Regimens: Overloading your skin with products in search of a fast solution often leads to increased inflammation. Start with a gentle, basic skincare regimen before introducing more active serums or products.
- Be Patient with Your Routine: Avoid frequent changes to your skincare. Since a full skin cell-turnover cycle can take 4-6 weeks, consistency and allowing time are necessary to see noticeable results.
- Invest in Medical-Grade for Quality and Results: These products offer superior potency and clinical data, providing real effectiveness.
One step closer to your acne solutions
Proactive care is the most effective way to help yourself or a loved one. Seeking professional advice early allows you to interrupt the cycle of inflammation and further breakouts, preventing acne flare-ups or permanent scars.
