Sudden Adult Acne Breakout? Blame Your Genes!
Other causes of sudden acne breakout on the face in adults will be detailed in this blog.
Acne can Become a Nightmare in Your Adulthood As Well.
In a sample of adolescents in New Zealand, 10% have acne after 25 and a few (1% men and 5% women) still get it in their 40s.
Some may find adult acne worse than teen acne, but the grassroots of the two problems is the same.
It occurs due to excessive oil and bacterial increment. On top of that, fluctuation in hormones due to health conditions can further increase skin oil.
Menstruation and pregnancy are likely to trigger the problem in females. Nonetheless, even males are likely to experience sudden acne breakout on face.
Some can even get it in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s. Notably, not all acne is the same; there are also different types of acne. In such cases, sudden acne breakout on face treatment can help resolve the problem.
Still, knowing what causes sudden acne on face in adults can help resolve the problem and find the appropriate treatment.
What Causes Sudden Acne on Face in Adults? | 10 Reasons
In general, people think acne is a teenage problem.
However, the question why is my skin so bad all of a sudden is no more associated with teens only. Adult acne on cheeks can affect your life at a later age as well.
While many think it’s because of junk foods, greasy meals, fried fries, and chocolates, it doesn’t always happen due to an unhealthy diet.
The triggers may be gender-specific. In males, the triggers are similar to teenage. However, in females, the reasons of adult acne may differ.
Let’s find out what cause adult acne.
#1: Stress
Stress does no good to your body. In terms of your skin health, stress can do the worst.
Particularly, a high-stress level stimulates acne-causing hormones called androgens. This promotes oil glands while making your hair follicles trigger acne. It can be one of the causes of pimples on face in male adults.
Studies have found a direct link between acne and stress.
Notably, as per research by the University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an increase in stress severity is strongly correlated to acne severity.
Further, excessive anxiety can trigger different body processes, which in response can lead to acne breakout.
#2: Hormonal Imbalance
In terms of female adult acne, hormonal fluctuation plays a key role.
An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can trigger the problem. It can occur due to multiple situations including pregnancy and menopause.
On top of that, beginning, pausing, or changing your birth control supplement can exaggerate the skin issue. Adult acne breakout can happen months after your IUD (Intrauterine Device) medication.
It will leave you with the answer to why is my face breaking out with little bumps without any changes.
#3: Medical Condition
Acne breakouts can be the result of underlying health conditions.
Medical conditions that cause acne are many. This includes weight gain, PAPA syndrome, irregular periods, and excessive dandruff.
However, a very small percentage of patients suffer acne breakouts due to this reason. Sometimes undiagnosed medical conditions can lead to skin problems.
In females, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a condition that can result in adult acne.
Nevertheless, acne in 30s treatment can resolve the problem.
Your dermatologist will examine your medical history as well as ask for your blood test. This would help verify the exact underlying problem.
#4: Medications
At times acne can occur due to multiple triggers like birth control, steroid inhalers, and testosterone boosters.
Many of the medicines given in serious conditions contain steroids like prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone. Notably, these steroids can be the reason behind the cause and aggravation of acne.
As per evidence, treatments using systemic corticosteroids can cause steroids to induce acne. Similarly, using anabolic steroids can cause “bodybuilders acne”.
Further, certain forms of iodine and lithium can also leave you with distressing acne.
So, if you haven’t been getting answers to why I am getting acne on my face all of a sudden, try checking your medicine.
#5: Skin and Hair Products
Topical creams, lotions, and make-up are among the common causes of sudden acne breakout on the face.
Acne cosmetica is caused when pore-clogging cosmetics combine with your natural skin oil leading to breakouts.
Cosmetics may look great, but it has their downsides. Go through their ingredients label to ensure they don’t have acne-triggering agents.
The terms non-comedogenic, oil-free, or non-acnegenic are a sigh of relief. They don’t block your pores or accelerate excess oil secretion.
#6: Family History
If your parents or close relatives have had the problem, it is like to occur to you genetically.
Yes, you read that right!
adults who ask why am I getting acne all of a sudden have a family history of adult acne.
Sometimes genetic factors of your skin like its size and the visibility of pores can result in acne.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t resolve it. Go for acne treatment by dermatologist. They will help control the problem and even eradicate adult acne.
#7: Your Diet
Poor diet is also what causes face breakouts in adults. A diet high in processed food, refined carbs, and oily meals is likely to trigger acne and even other skin problems.
Also consuming foods with high sugar can cause skin inflammation and lead to acne breakouts. Such food stimulates excess oil production. It can cause skin breakouts in a very short duration.
If you often crave sugary items, you better learn how to fight food cravings for the sake of healthier skin.
Furthermore, cutting on dairy and adding low glycemic food can reduce sebum production leading to less oil production.
Moreover, while many dieticians recommend leaving spicy food and chocolate, there is not much evidence to support the same.
#8: Heavy Sunscreen
What you apply to your skin determines your skin health.
Sunscreens are one of the everyday skin essentials but which one should you apply?
Though heavy sunscreen protects from harmful sun rays, it has its shortcomings. Their heavy texture clogs your pores. This blocks the natural function of your skin.
The sunscreens have two types of active ingredients. Physical sunscreens are often recommended for those with sensitive skin.
On one side, it protects from UV rays. On the other hand, it can worsen the problem by triggering intense oil production.
You may suffer from a heavy acne breakout. You will be left to wonder why I am getting sudden acne. In reality, it is all your doings.
#9: New Place
A new place introduces you to new possibilities, but it can increase the potential of breakouts.
Though you enjoy your vacation, your skin may be saying the opposite.
The change of place can subject you to the sun, humidity, and even intense heath. They can trigger acne.
Of course, you can’t carry your hometown’s environment. Still, you can take measures to manage breakouts.
You can avoid excessive sun exposure. Or you can try sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to lessen acne breakout.
There’s more to what causes acne on face.
#10: Make-Up Remover
It’s not only what type of make-up you use but also how you remove the make-up that contributes to acne breakouts.
You should pick your make remover wisely. Some can clog your pores, and when combined with natural oil, they can trigger breakouts.
Further, it doesn’t always happen because of how you remove your makeup, but which makeup remover you use.
Always remove your makeup properly.
Especially among females not removing make-up appropriately is what causes acne on cheeks.
Only use non-comedogenic makeup remover to clean your pores completely. It stops acne-causing bacteria expansion causing breakouts.
The causes of sudden acne breakout can vary from person to person. The triggers vary in males and females to a greater extent.
Of course, knowing what causes sudden acne on face in adults for you can help in receiving appropriate treatment.
Nonetheless, only knowing what causes sudden face pimples isn’t enough? You need to know what type of acne you have.
Know What Type of Acne You Have
Adult acne is a huge problem. Some are prone to get a breakout of a specific type of acne. Of course, if you know what type of acne you have, you can get appropriate treatment to reduce it.
- Blackheads: It is an open bump on your skin. It occurs when your pores are filled with excess oil and dead skin resulting in dark spots filled with dirt.
- Whiteheads: It is a closed bump containing dead skin and oil.
- Papules: These are tiny pink or red bumps.
- Pustules: Small pimples encompassing pus. Pustules appear exactly like whiteheads bounded by red rings. If your puck it, it will create a scar.
- Cysts: It is large pimples containing pus that is likely to turn into a scar.
- Nodules: These are big painful solid bumps. It forms in the deeper layer of your skin.
- Fungal acne: Another name for this type of adult acne is pityrosporum folliculitis. It can itch causing irritation. It occurs due to heaping of fungus (yeast) in your hair follicles.
Knowing what causes sudden acne on face in adults is the first step to identifying the problem. The second thing is to know what type of acne you have. Of course, the same will be done by your dermatologist to provide the right adult acne treatment.
Now that you about the causes and types of acne next is to know what can you do to stop sudden acne breakout in adults.
Let’s find out some tips on how to stop pimples coming on face at home.
How to Get Rid of Adult Acne? | Top 6 Ways
Adult acne is frightening, but some steps can reduce the breakout. Involving the appropriate adult acne treatment can even resolve the skin problem from the grassroots level.
Here’s how to treat and prevent adult acne.
#1. Start Daily Skin Care Routine
When it comes to skin infection, your daily skincare plays a key role.
It becomes important to clean your skin properly. Switch to the following daily skincare routine.
- Don’t wash or clean your face more than twice a day.
- Only use cool or warm water to clean your face.
- Use a gentle cleanser. Avoid chemical-based formulas.
- Whether you use your hands or a cleansing brush to clean your face, don’t exceed its application for more than 30 seconds.
- Never rub your skin. Only pat your skin to dry it out.
Your skincare routine is important to curb your acne. A wrong skincare routine can even escalate the breakout.
You may keep wondering why I am suddenly getting bumps on my face.
#2. Use Prescription Medications Only
Some medications can trigger acne breakouts. This includes hormone-affecting pills like birth control supplements. Discuss with your doctor to prevent acne.
You can also discuss antibiotic pills and prescription retinoids. Of course, antibiotics are good for acne prevention.
You can even use Aldactone (spironolactone), a medicine created to treat high blood pressure, not to treat acne. It offers impressive results but can take 3 months to show the visible difference.
As per the study by the American Academy of Dermatology, spironolactone (the active drug in Aldactone) can be effective in treating acne in certain females.
Isotretinoin is another medicine for acne. However, it isn’t applicable for pregnant, nursing, or women planning to be a mom.
Don’t take any suggested medication on yourself. Always consult with your doctors or dermatologist before adding any supplement to your daily routine.
#3. Try Over-the-Counter Creams and Lotions
Some over-the-counter creams and lotions are beneficial to treat adult acne breakout. Particularly, Retinoid creams or lotions help cleanse your skin while reducing signs of aging.
On top of that, sulfur-based products can be beneficial in reducing acne spots. Benzoyl peroxide also helps fight off acne breakout. As it can dry your skin, one can use this compound-based product occasionally.
Notably, always use a milder formula of benzoyl peroxide to improve your skin.
#4. Use Mild Cleansers
Cleansers are a crucial part of your skincare routine. They cleanse the daily exposure to your skin. Whether dirt, makeup, grime, or pollution, they cleanse all out.
On top of that, a good skincare product let other products reach your skin to provide better benefits. You should always choose a gentle cleanser that doesn’t react with your skin.
The best way to choose the right cleanser is to learn about your skin type first or simply go for natural cleansers. Moreover, you also try some homemade cleansing masks.
#5. Choose the Right Cosmetics
Some makeups, skin care products, and cosmetics contain salicylic acid. The compound has impressive acne-fighting effects. Using salicylic acid-based products can be life-changing for treating your acne.
Also, you should buy skincare products with tags of non-comedogenic. They don’t clog your pores. You can also buy non-acnegenic products as they don’t trigger breakouts.
Above all, choose the cosmetic depending upon your skin type and never settle for cheap products with compromised ingredients. While it may cost you less at present, it in fact is a costly deal in long term.
#6. Go for High-Tech Solutions
Some high-tech solutions can completely treat your acne. You can try adult acne treatments like light therapy, or PDT. They utilize a laser to reduce your acne breakouts.
Laser treatments can kill the acne-developing bacteria by heating the skin. It also signals the cells to rebuild collagen.
Related: Collagen Benefits for Skin
Apart from all the solutions, there is one tip you must follow.
Never Pop Your Acne or Pimples!
It can further aggravate the problem. It can spread on your face or another area. Once you know what causes sudden acne on face in adults, in your case, you can discuss it with your dermatologist.
Of course, the first recommendation would be to be attentive to your skincare routine. You may need to change your cleanser, skincare products, makeup, and other cosmetics. While some acne cases require medical treatments, others might need laser treatments.
Concluding Thoughts
Adult acne is a major issue. It can hinder your appearance while shrinking your confidence. While many still wonder why I am getting bumps on my face as I get older, only a few try to find the answer.
The answer, however, lies in your daily routine, diet, skincare, and lifestyle choices.
We have mentioned the top reasons behind what causes sudden acne on the face in adults.
You can consult with your dermatologist to identify the cause. Depending upon the reason, dermatologists will advise the right treatment for your acne problem.
Apart from medical treatments and therapies, the key to having clear skin is a proper skincare routine. Use milder cleaners. Also, use non-acne-causing cosmetics to prevent the problem.
Not to mention, eat a healthy diet to prevent future problems. In any case, never go for laser treatment or supplementation without the consultation of doctors.
If this blog educates you about the reason behind your acne and what can you do to get rid of it, leave your thoughts in the comment section.