Adult Acne: Why It Occurs and How to Get Rid of It

"We don't totally understand why adult women develop acne," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Disappointing as that is, Zeichner notes that many of the same factors that cause acne in teens play a role: pores getting clogged by oil, skin cells, and bacteria.

Another factor that may explain the prevalence of adult acne in women? Hormones — in particular, the kind of hormonal fluctuation that accompanies the menstrual cycle. As your period approaches, estrogen levels in the body dip, leaving your testosterone levels unchecked. Since testosterone (an androgen) can crank up your skin's oil production, that also means a higher chance of clogged pores and big, angry pimples.

What's more, Zeichner brings up the fact that now more than ever women are starting birth control pills at a young age, with many staying on the drug for decades. This might be fine while it lasts, as the hormones in the pill help to regulate oil production and keep acne under control, but Zeichner explains that it can turn into an issue after discontinuation, because the body is then forced to go through an "adjustment period" to the normal hormonal environment that the oil glands haven't experienced in years. Needless to say, it could be worth taking into consideration next time you're due to discuss birth control options with your OBGYN.