Many of us associate acne with adolescence, because that’s when people often experience breakouts, spots, and pimples for the first time. During our teenage years, our hormone levels shift and higher levels of hormones called “androgens” (like testosterone, present in different levels in both men and women’s bodies) can cause the skin’s sebaceous glands to grow and start producing excess sebum (oil). Having too much oil on our skin can lead to blocked pores, which in turn can lead to trapped bacteria and the development of spots.
The NHSreports that acne affects 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 years old, while The American Academy of Dermatologyrefers to acne as the most common skin condition in the USA, affecting up to 50 million Americans every year. They also report that approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 years old struggle with symptoms.
However, adult acne is reportedly on the rise, and currently affects an estimated 15% of adult women. So, if you’re experiencing breakouts of spots and pimples in your 20s, 30s, 40s (and even beyond), you’re far from alone.