Why Adult Acne Is So Hard to Clear (and Why Most Routines Make It Wors

There are few things as frustrating as getting through that very unwanted acne phase in high school, only for it to come back in your adult years.

Adult acne is no different than teen acne, yet it is often much more persistent and stubborn. Teen acne typically arises due to intense hormonal shifts brought on by puberty. This, combined with sometimes poor hygiene, can result in oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads, mainly on the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Adult acne, however, is more common among women, and can be driven by chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, medications, and other lifestyle factors.

Why is Adult Acne So Hard to Clear

What makes adult acne so difficult to clear is that there often isn't just one culprit that's causing it. A combination of internal and external factors, as well as a genetic component, make it hard to determine what's actually driving the breakouts. Adult acne is also often more inflammatory, meaning breakouts take longer to heal and are more likely to cause scarring.

Why Most Routines Make it Worse

When you search "skincare routine for acne' what you'll find is often a mix of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and other strong actives. While certain active ingredients are crucial for treating acne, a weakened skin barrier caused by too harsh of a routine can actually do more harm than good.

When the skin barrier is compromised, trans epidermal water loss increases, and the skin begins to overcompensate and produce more oil - and more breakouts. Inflammation also increases and the skin's ability to heal slows down.

Finding a balance of respecting the skin barrier while using targeted actives is key when treating adult acne.