Will Acne Go Away As I Age?

Acne breakouts are one of the top skin care concerns we see at Advanced Dermatology, and age isn’t always a factor. Although acne is thought of as a teenage concern, these breakouts can happen to adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. If you have tried to clear blemished skin with over-the-counter products, you may not be getting to the root of the problem. So what causes acne, and what kind of acne treatments will you need? Allow the board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Advanced Dermatology to help. Contact our team in the Greater Houston area at Katy, Pearland, Sugar Land, and League City, TX for a skin consultation. Learn more about the topic of acne and age below.

What causes acne?

Some people have moderate to severe acne throughout their lives while others rarely get blemishes at all. Why is that? No matter how frequently your breakouts occur, there is actual science behind our skin blemishes. Acne is primarily tied to fluctuations in hormones. This means that anyone who experiences hormone fluctuations as a teenager or a hormonal imbalance as an adult may have breakouts more frequently. Genetics also play a significant role, so people with parents or siblings with adult acne are more prone to breakouts than others.

Research has also found that stress and acne are often related. Although stress alone cannot cause acne, it can trigger breakouts and make existing issues worse. Since there are many factors that lead to breakouts, it is important to visit a skilled practitioner who can determine the cause and address the issue. When you come in for your skin consultation at Advanced Dermatology, we will help investigate by asking questions about your health as well as your family history. We also learn about any medications you take and look into your possible relationship with stress and acne. This skin consultation will help us create a treatment plan moving forward.

The types of acne we treat

Acne is a broad term that can describe a variety of skin ailments. Anyone who struggles with the stress of acne knows that this condition involves more than just the occasional zit. To treat blemished skin successfully, it’s essential to recognize the different acne types. These are called noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions. Noninflammatory lesions include what are known as whiteheads and blackheads, while inflammatory lesions include cysts, nodules, pus-filled bumps, pustules, papules, and acne knots. The staff at Advanced Dermatology can address both types of acne ranging from mild to severe for people of all ages in the Greater Houston area.

Acne treatment options

The certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology can reduce or get rid of blemishes through a tailor-made treatment plan at our office. Although acne is one of the most common skin conditions we face, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. We can outline a regimen for you to follow based on your skin and acne type, breakout location, and health history. Patients are instructed to follow these guidelines very closely in order to achieve the best results.

Unless we tell you differently, we usually recommend washing your face twice a day alongside any medications we prescribe. This may include antibiotics such as minocycline, doxycycline, or tetracycline based on the severity of your breakouts. Milder cases may only require topical solutions and creams with certain ingredients such as retinoids, sulfur, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. These products have been proven to be very effective in acne treatment.

The dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology are experts in choosing the right selection of products for acne-prone skin. At your appointment, we may also suggest a range of cleansers and moisturizers to further your skin care, as well as sunscreen products to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If you are concerned about certain cosmetics clogging your pores, we can make some helpful recommendations about different makeup brands as well.

Learn more about acne and age issues

Unfortunately, acne and age do not always go hand in hand. This means that patients may be dealing with blemished skin well into their 30s and 40s. The good news is that with a skin analysis and personalized treatment plan, the practitioners at Advanced Dermatology can lessen your number of breakouts or make your acne go away for good. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a skin consultation in the Greater Houston area at any of our convenient locations to get started. Find our team in Katy, Pearland, League City, and Sugar Land, TX to learn more about what causes acne, acne treatment options, and more.