Pores in your face become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. The hair follicles become blocked, forming “comedones” also known as clogged pores and blackheads. The overproduction of skin cells that would usually be pushed up and lost from the surface also adds to this process. Bacteria (particularly Propionibacterium acnes) then get trapped inside the pores and multiply. This causes swelling and redness — the start of acne.

Papules – or small red, tender bumps. Pimples – called pustules which are actually papules with visible pus at the tip. Whiteheads – known as closed plugged pores. Blackheads – known as open plugged pores. Note: They appear black when the oil turns dark brown when exposed to air

The exact cause of acne is still being researched, however, hormones called Androgens can play a lead role. Around the time of puberty in both boys and girls production of Androgens increases. Due to the increase during the puberty phase of life the skin’s oil glands get larger and make more sebum.

Simply put, pimples will form when dead skin cells mix with the excess oil (sebum) thus blocking the pore. This blockage allows bacteria to grow which leads to infection and pus, causing pimples to swell.

For women, acne can appear due to natural hormonal changes relating to pregnancy or your menstrual cycle. When a woman’s androgen receptors are particularly sensitive, these hormones can trigger excess oil (sebum) production which can lead to blocked pores and acne breakouts. These hormonal changes may also occur during perimenopause, but it is not uncommon for this to happen just before your period cycle. Experts have said that women over the age of 33 are more likely to get premenstrual pimples than younger women are who get acne due to hormonal imbalances.

Women tend to get adult acne more often than men do. If you’re experiencing acne as an adult it pays to try and understand what could be causing the trigger. Following are a number of reasons you may experience adult acne: – Fluctuating hormone levels – or hormonal imbalance can lead to acne breakouts Hormones fluctuate most commonly for women; – Around her period – During pregnancy – At perimenopause and menopause – After commencing the use of birth control pills, or stopping use If you are concerned about changes in your skin and the onset of acne, it is recommended to contact your doctor or skin health specialist.

If a parent, brother, or sister has experienced acne you may have a similar skin type. Research has suggested that some people may have more of a genetic predisposition for acne. People who have this predisposition are also more likely to get adult acne.

It is recommended that if you have developed adult acne it pays to carefully read the labels on the products you use. Products using the following terms are less likely to cause acne. – Non-comedogenic – Non-acnegenic – Oil-free – Won’t clog pores – Suitable for oily skin

Acne is known as a side effect of some medicines. If you believe your medication may be causing acne or even making your existing acne worse, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor before you stop or change your medication. Your doctor can consider a different medication for you, or they may refer you to a dermatologist to help you control the acne in line with your medication.

Acne may be a sign of an underlying or undiagnosed medical condition. If you are concerned you should talk to your doctor or health professional. If you do have a medical condition that can be treated, your acne will most likely clear up.

Some adults may continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. For some people, it is possible to get acne for your first time as an adult. Dermatologists term this “adult-onset acne” and it is more common among women going through menopause.

According to researchers, there is a relationship with acne and stress. Stress also leads our bodies to produce more of the Androgen hormones. These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which in turn leads to acne. This increase in hormones is why acne can be an ongoing problem if we put ourselves under constant stress.