Understanding adult acne and hormonal breakouts
Acne is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. It is often considered a teenage issue, but blemishes and breakouts can continue well beyond adolescence. Around 15 - 20% of adults aged between 25 and 40 experience acne, with a higher rate in women, due to hormonal fluctuations.
Adult acne is characterised by breakouts, oily skin and sometimes discomfort over the age of 25. Finding the right adult acne treatment is key for clear and healthy skin.
What is acne? Types, symptoms & how it affects adults
Acne presents itself in the form of comedones, papules and pustules, as well larger, more painful nodules and cystic lesions. In adults, it often requires a more targeted hormonal acne treatment.
Whiteheads and blackheads, also known as comedones, are the mildest type of spots. They tend to appear in the T-zone area, where pores are larger and the skin more oily. Whiteheads (closed comedones) are small, light bumps. Blackheads (open comedones) are small black spots that have opened up, allowing air inside and oxidising the sebum.
Moderate to severe forms of acne will be characterised by more aggressive spots, including papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Papules are small, solid bumps under the surface of the skin, with some inflammation surrounding the area. Pustules are larger in size and filled with a light-coloured pus where cells have collected. Nodules are hard, inflamed lumps that occur deep within the skin, the result of a clogged pore becoming infected and swelling. This type of acne may lead to scarring. Cysts are large, painful lumps that form deep under the skin’s surface, filled with pus and soft to touch. This is an acute form of acne that often requires intervention in the form of antibiotics, prescription retinoids or surgery.
Teenage vs adult acne: Key differences in causes & symptoms
Teenage acne is common during puberty, when a surge of hormones stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This overproduction of oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging pores and leading to breakouts. Teenage acne commonly occurs on the forehead, nose and chin, also known as the T-zone. Teenage acne tends to be more severe in boys.
Adult acne occurs and presents itself differently, and so treatment should also be different, focusing on both clearing breakouts and maintaining hydration. Adult acne is often located on the lower part of the face, particularly along the jawline, chin and neck. The spots are often inflamed and cystic. Adult breakouts tend to linger for longer, and may lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring. This is due to the slower pace of skin renewal as we age. Adult skin is typically more dry than teenage skin and so it is more susceptible to irritation. Cases of adult acne (over the age of twenty) are more common in women.
Adult acne is classified into three groups; if it starts during adolescence and continues, it is called ‘persistent acne’; if it develops for the first time after the age of 25, it is called ‘late-onset acne’; if it heals and flares up continually from a young age into adulthood, it is ‘relapsing acne’. Persistent acne is reported as the most common type of adult acne, responsible for between 73% and 82% of cases1.
Common adult acne triggers & causes
Acne can be influenced by many different intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Common triggers include diet, stress, genetics, smoking, medications, cosmetics, sweating and the weather.
Diet & nutrition links to adult acne
Some studies have linked acne with diets high in sugar, dairy and processed food. It is thought that these food groups disrupt hormone levels and increase oil production. There are limitations in the research, but there is strong evidence that glycemic index, dairy, fats and probiotics play a role in acne and its treatment2.
How stress causes hormonal breakouts
Stress is a well-known acne trigger, with cortisol disrupting hormone balance, leading to inflammation and excess oil production. Chronic stress may worsen existing acne or trigger new breakouts. These breakouts can then lead to picking, which further increases inflammation and means potential scarring.
Genetic factors in adult acne
A family history of acne increases the risk in both teens and adults, and there is even thought to be a correlation between specific genes and the occurrence and severity of acne3.
Smoking
Smoking is linked with adult acne. Evidence shows that cigarette smoke alters skin oils and increases inflammation.
Medications
Certain drugs can also trigger acne. Hormonal contraceptives are a well known trigger, but other medications include corticosteroids, lithium, vitamin B12, thyroid hormones, halogen compounds and certain types of antibiotics4.
Cosmetics
Makeup and skincare can also trigger acne. Ingredients to look out for are lanolin, alcohol and heavy oil, which clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Heat
Seasonal changes and hot weather can also make acne worse. This is due to sweating, blocked pores and changes in skin bacteria. While some find their skin improves in summer, others experience flare-ups, owed to UV exposure, excessive heat and inflammation.
Hormonal acne in adults: Causes & flare-up patterns
Hormones are thought to be one of the biggest contributors to adult acne5. For women, the time around menstruation is associated with flare-ups. Underlying hormonal disorders may also trigger acne, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.
Pregnancy may also trigger hormonal breakouts, particularly during the first trimester. Some women see skin improvements later on in pregnancy, but others will continue to experience acne throughout.
The peri-menopause and menopause involve fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, which leads to a dominance in androgens that increase oiliness and breakouts. This is similar to hormonal acne during puberty. These hormonal triggers are the reason that women are twice as likely to experience adult acne.
Adult acne routine: How it should differ from teenage acne care
Many acne treatments are formulated for teenagers, focusing on oil control through drying ingredients, but the best products for adult acne take a more balanced approach, controlling breakouts whilst maintaining hydration levels and protecting the skin barrier. Important steps in your skincare routine include gentle cleansing that doesn’t strip the skin, the application of effective active ingredients, and also making sure the skin is properly moisturised. Seeking help from a skin professional is also suggested, so that you can receive treatment that’s tailored to your specific skin needs.
BIRETIX skincare for adult acne & hormonal breakouts
From the skincare experts behind HELIOCARE 360°, BIRETIX is dermatologist-approved skincare for adult acne. It takes a holistic and scientific approach to managing acne in adulthood, targeting both active breakouts and long-term skin health by treating, purifying and caring for spot-prone skin.
The BIRETIX range includes a collection of clinically-proven formulations that rapidly reduce blemishes, prevent future breakouts and promote a healthier complexion. It is powered by innovative retinol and antimicrobial technologies, RetinSphere® and BIOPEP-15, along with other skin-loving ingredients that will gently care for acne-prone skin.
BIOPEP-15
BIOPEP-15 is an incredible, plant-based, patented technology that fights against 24 strains of acne-causing bacteria6. It contains the peptide Oligopeptide-10, which provides broad-spectrum, anti-microbial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, the main acne-causing bacteria.
BIOPEP-15 has clinically-proven efficacy with no side effects. It has a low probability of developing resistance and is even effective against acne strains that have already developed a resistance to antibiotics.
RetinSphere® Technology
RetinSphere® Technology offers retinol like no other. It contains a combination of two powerful, high-tolerance retinoids: hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), and retinol encapsulated in glycospheres and microsponges. They are delivered to the skin in a sophisticated dual delivery system, which offers both immediate and sustained release for maximum efficacy and minimal irritation.
RetinSphere® Technology works at different levels within the skin’s structure, boosting cell turnover, increasing the production of collagen and elastin and increasing epidermal thickness. This helps to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and create a brighter, smoother skin tone.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a powerful beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and redness and speeds up the healing of existing blemishes.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B-3, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve elasticity, enhance barrier function, even out the skin tone and lock in moisture for a strong, healthy skin barrier.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that increases skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and brightens the complexion.
BIRETIX combines these powerful ingredients into clinically-proven regimens, tailored for acne-prone adult skin. Whether you're new to actives in skincare, or combining BIRETIX with professional skin treatments and prescription medicines, the range is designed to support every stage of the treatment journey.
Professional acne treatments for persistent or severe adult acne
While self-medicated skincare routines can be effective, especially when featuring advanced formulations like BIRETIX, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. You should consider visiting a professional skin clinic if your acne is persistent or painful, if you suffer with scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or if acne is compromising your quality of life and mental health. It is also advised to speak to a professional if your over-the-counter skincare products haven’t made a noticeable difference after 2-3 months.
For severe cases of adult acne, we recommend you visit a professional skin clinic. Here, you will receive an in-depth skin analysis and personalised skin treatment plan from someone who understands the complexities of acne in adulthood. Your tailored treatment plan will suit your individual skin type and needs.
We believe that managing adult acne should never be a one-size-fits-all process. Often, the best approach is a holistic one. That’s why BIRETIX is available both direct-to-customer and through our professional skin clinics, giving you the flexibility to build a treatment plan and skincare routine that works for you. What’s more, our latest BIRETIX Double Correction Serum is carefully formulated to target adult acne, and is the perfect addition to your daily regime.
When using the BIRETIX Double Correction Serum, users have reported a 65% improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a 79% reduction in blemishes and an 82% improvement in skin texture and. Furthermore, the BIRETIX Double Correction Serum has shown a 90% reduction in sebum, pore size and dark spots7.
This incredible serum features a powerful cocktail of active ingredients; RetinSphere® Technology, which effectively increases cell renewal with minimal irritation; Azeclair, which reduces sebum production and soothes inflammation; Niacinamide 5%, to improve signs of ageing, shrink pores and strengthen the skin barrier; and an AHA Complex of glycolic, lactic and citric acids, which works to promote skin cell turnover to reduce signs of ageing.
BIRETIX Double Correction Serum has an ultra-light, oil-free formula, mattifying the skin for a beautifully smooth finish whilst promoting a stronger skin barrier and a proven reduction in breakouts. Discover the BIRETIX Double Correction Serum today.
