Do I Have Adult Acne?

Are you in your 30s or 40s?

Do you have open and closed uninflamed comedones - pores filled with skin debris, and oil (blackheads and whiteheads)?

Do you have small red bumps (papules) or red bumps containing white or yellow pus (pustules)?

Do you have redness around the skin eruptions?

Do you often complain of enlarged pores?

Do you have inflammatory lesions on the jawline and neck?

Do you have inflammatory lesions on your face, neck, chest or back?

If you are a woman, do you have premenstrual flares?

Do you have large whiteheads (macrocomedones), especially on your chin, cheeks and forehead?

Do you smoke or use oily face creams?

Do you regularly eat soda, pastries, chocolates and other sweets?

Do you get acne when you are stressed?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have adult acne. Adult acne is acne that occurs after the age of 25. Various factors can contribute to the development of acne including excessive oil production, clogged pores, bacteria and inflammatory processes of the skin. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, certain medications and skin care products can also cause acne. Acne cannot be completely prevented. If you are a woman, be sure to take off your makeup before bed. Avoid skin products that contain oil. Also, research shows a link between dairy products and products that rapidly increase blood sugar levels with an increased risk of acne.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have adult acne. Adult acne is a condition associated with acne breakouts in people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. It is also possible to get acne for the first time as an adult. Doctors call this condition "adult-onset acne". Women are more likely to have adult acne than men. In women, acne appears more often along the jaw line than in the "T-zone of the forehead, nose and chin". Acne on the jaw line may indicate a hormonal imbalance. Women with adult acne often have an underlying condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have adult acne. Adult acne is a relatively common condition that refers to acne breakouts in people over 25 years of age. Acne can occur in adulthood, even in people who have never suffered from acne as teenagers. Some research shows that people may have a genetic predisposition to acne, which means that if you have a family member who has acne, you are more likely to develop adult acne.