Adult Acne Can Be Treated With Medical Options

Gillian Maegan Montalbo, a marketer in the Philippines, experienced severe adult acne that returned and intensified as an adult, affecting her self-esteem and self-confidence. Her breakouts, which were more intense than her teenage acne, made her hesitant to look her bosses in the eye.

Acne can appear on various parts of the body, including the chest, shoulders, and back, with 'bacne' being the internet’s term for back breakouts. The condition can leave behind dark marks and scars that take even longer to heal.

Dr. Crystal Aguh, a dermatologist and director of the Ethnic Skin Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, emphasized that acne is a medical condition with known treatments. She noted that older adults and women in particular can experience hormonal acne that pops up along the jawline and chin.

Acne is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, environment, and diet. Pimples happen when tiny pores in the skin get clogged by oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. They can fade over the course of weeks to months, but if patches persist and spread, it could be a sign of acne, which dermatologists consider a medical condition.

Dermatologists recommend avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, as this can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring. For darker-skinned individuals, scars may take longer to fade due to increased pigment production under stress.

Treatments for acne range from over-the-counter creams and lotions to prescription-strength medications. For hormonal acne, some doctors suggest birth control or spironolactone. Cortisone shots may provide temporary relief, but they are not a long-term solution.

Montalbo’s acne cleared up within a year after seeing a dermatologist, but she was still dealing with acne scars. She said a strong support system was essential to getting through some of the hardest moments. Her dad, who also struggled with acne, was the one who encouraged her to see a doctor and find the right products. She also had a close friend who traveled with her overseas for a vacation during the worst of the breakouts, and mentioned in passing that she’d never even noticed Montalbo’s acne.