Why Am I Breaking Out Now? Understanding Adult-Onset Acne and How to Treat It

If you thought acne was just for teenagers, you’re not alone—but unfortunately, you’re not right. More and more adults are struggling with breakouts well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. In fact, adult-onset acne is incredibly common, especially among women. It can show up unexpectedly, persist stubbornly, and often feels harder to treat than the pimples we dealt with in our teenage years.

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we specialize in treating acne at all stages of life. If you’re feeling frustrated by recurring breakouts as an adult, this article will walk you through what’s going on, what might be triggering it, and what your treatment options are.

WHAT IS ADULT-ONSET ACNE?

Adult-onset acne refers to acne that begins or reappears after age 25. Some people experience it for the first time in their 30s or 40s, while others may have had clear skin for years before it suddenly flares up again. It tends to show up differently than teenage acne—often appearing as deeper, painful bumps around the jawline, chin, cheeks, or neck, rather than blackheads or whiteheads on the forehead and nose.

WHY DOES ADULT ACNE HAPPEN?

Acne is a complex condition. There’s almost never just one cause—but when it strikes in adulthood, there are some common culprits worth looking at.

1. HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS

Hormones play a major role in adult acne, especially androgens like testosterone. These hormones can stimulate oil production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. That’s why many women notice flares around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after stopping birth control, or during perimenopause and menopause.

2. CHRONIC STRESS

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it can also affect your skin. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can increase oil production and inflammation. Adult life comes with its own set of stressors—work, relationships, parenting, aging parents—and your skin can reflect that internal pressure.

3. SKINCARE AND MAKEUP

Many adults try new products to “anti-age” their skin, not realizing that certain ingredients can clog pores. Heavy moisturizers, rich foundations, or products labeled as “hydrating” or “dewy” often contain pore-clogging ingredients. Even products that claim to be “non-comedogenic” can be misleading—those claims aren’t regulated, so it’s important to check the ingredient list yourself.

4. MEDICATIONS

Certain medications can contribute to acne, including corticosteroids, lithium, and some antidepressants or anti-seizure medications. Even supplements like B12 or biotin can aggravate acne in some people.

5. DIET

While diet isn’t the cause of acne, it can play a role in how inflamed or persistent your breakouts are. High-glycemic foods (think sugar and processed carbs), dairy products, and whey protein have all been linked to acne in some studies. The impact varies from person to person, but it’s something to consider if you’re breaking out frequently.

6. GENETICS

If one or both of your parents had adult acne, you’re more likely to experience it yourself. Your skin may naturally produce more oil or have a tendency toward inflammation or clogged pores—factors that make you more acne-prone.

WHAT ADULT ACNE LOOKS LIKE

Adult acne tends to show up as:

• Deep, red cystic breakouts (painful and slow to heal)

• Smaller inflamed papules and pustules

• Clusters along the jawline, chin, neck, and cheeks

• Breakouts that leave dark marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Flare-ups that come and go with your cycle or stress levels

These breakouts can linger for weeks, resist over-the-counter treatments, and leave frustrating discoloration behind even after they heal.

HOW ADULT ACNE AFFECTS YOU

For many adults, the emotional toll of acne is just as real as the physical symptoms. You might feel embarrassed at work, reluctant to show up in social settings, or frustrated after trying product after product with no results. Adult acne can chip away at your confidence, especially when it feels like you should have “outgrown” it by now.

The good news is: you’re not alone, and you do have options.

TREATING ADULT ACNE EFFECTIVELY

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to adult acne, but the right treatment plan can make all the difference. At CLEAR, we guide clients through the process of identifying triggers, avoiding pore-clogging products, and choosing treatments that offer long-term results.

1. AVOID COMEDOGENIC PRODUCTS

Even if your products say “non-comedogenic,” don’t trust the label blindly. Look up the full ingredient list and screen for pore-cloggers. Common offenders include:

• Isopropyl Myristate

• Coconut oil

• Algae extract

• Laureth-4

• Lanolin

Once acne-prone, always acne-prone—so it’s important to stick with clean, non-comedogenic products even once your skin clears.

2. USE A RETINOID

Retinoids help keep pores clear, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen. Over-the-counter adapalene (like Differin® Gel) can be a great starting point, though some people need prescription-strength versions.

3. LOOK INTO HORMONAL TREATMENT

For hormonal acne, especially in women, medications like spironolactone or hormonal birth control can help. These treatments work by reducing oil production at the root.

4. CONSIDER LASER ACNE TREATMENTS

If you’re looking for a long-term fix without medications, AviClear® might be the answer. AviClear® is the first ever FDA-cleared laser for the treatment of mild to severe acne. It targets the sebaceous (oil) glands directly—shrinking them over time so they produce less oil and, as a result, less acne.

It’s safe for all skin tones, requires no downtime, and works on both hormonal and inflammatory acne.

WHY IS ADULT ACNE HARDER TO TREAT?

Teenage skin regenerates quickly and is often more responsive to topical products. Adult skin, on the other hand, tends to be drier, thinner, and more sensitive—making it tricky to find a routine that’s strong enough to work without irritating the skin. On top of that, adult acne often runs deeper, lasts longer, and is more hormonally driven than teenage acne.

That’s why treatment plans need to be more nuanced. It’s not just about killing bacteria—it’s about restoring balance, supporting your skin’s barrier, and preventing long-term damage like scarring or hyperpigmentation.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT

We hear this all the time: “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.”

But acne is treatable—even when it’s stubborn, cyclical, and shows up later in life. You don’t have to accept it as your new normal. Whether you’re dealing with jawline breakouts, cystic acne, or inflamed flare-ups that just won’t go away, there are options that go beyond drugstore cleansers and cover-up makeup.

WHY AVICLEAR® MIGHT BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU

If you’re tired of breakouts and ready for a real solution, AviClear® is worth exploring. It’s the first laser that treats acne at the source by calming overactive oil glands. There’s no medication involved, no harsh chemicals, and no need to overhaul your entire life. Just three treatments—and gradual, lasting results that keep improving over time.

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we’ve performed more than 1000 AviClear® treatments and seen firsthand how life-changing it can be.

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