While many assume acne is only a teenage problem, breakouts can persist or even begin in adulthood. If you're struggling with adult acne, you're not alone. The good news? There are effective treatments available to help you achieve clear, healthy skin. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the causes of adult acne, different types of breakouts, and the best treatments—so you can finally get the glowing complexion you deserve.
In this guide, we will discuss the causes of adult acne and how to treat it using natural products from Beauty By Earth. We will also provide some tips for preventing adult acne outbreaks.
What is Adult Acne?
Adult acne, or adult onset acne, is very similar to the breakouts you may have experienced as a teenager. However, adult acne usually occurs on the lower part of the face, around the chin and jawline. (As opposed to adolescent acne or teen acne.) These breakouts are often caused by hormonal changes, stress, and certain cosmetics or skincare products.
What Causes Adult Acne or Makes Acne Worse?
Understanding the root cause of your breakouts is the first step in treating adult acne effectively. There are several key factors that contribute to persistent acne in adulthood:
Hormonal Imbalance and Acne
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the leading causes of adult acne, particularly in women. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones present in both men and women) can cause an overproduction of sebum (oil), leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Women may notice hormonal acne flare-ups around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, menopause, or when starting or stopping birth control.
Stress and Acne Breakouts
Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that stimulates oil production and increases skin inflammation. High cortisol levels can make existing acne worse and lead to frequent breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin.
Diet and Adult Acne
What you eat can impact your skin. Studies suggest that high-glycemic foods (such as sugar, white bread, and processed snacks) and dairy products may trigger breakouts by increasing inflammation and oil production. If you're experiencing persistent acne, try reducing your intake of processed foods, dairy, and excess sugar to see if your skin improves.

Comedogenic Skincare & Makeup
Using the wrong skincare or makeup products can clog pores and worsen acne. Many conventional beauty products contain pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients that contribute to breakouts. It’s essential to choose non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free skincare and makeup products to prevent further irritation.
Genetics & Acne Prone Skin
If your parents had adult acne, you might be genetically predisposed to breakouts. While genetics can play a role, an effective skincare routine, lifestyle changes, and professional treatments can help manage acne symptoms.
Gut Health & Acne
A growing body of research suggests a strong link between gut health and acne. Poor gut health, food intolerances, and imbalanced gut bacteria can trigger systemic inflammation, leading to breakouts. Incorporating probiotics and a fiber-rich diet can help balance gut flora and improve skin health.
Types of Adult Acne: Identifying Your Breakouts
Knowing your acne type is key to choosing the most effective treatment. Here are the four main types of adult acne:
1. Hormonal Acne
This type of acne typically appears on the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks. It often consists of deep, painful cystic breakouts that don’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments.
2. Comedonal Acne (Blackheads & Whiteheads)
Comedonal acne occurs when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, forming blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones). It’s commonly found on the forehead, nose, and chin.

3. Inflammatory Acne (Papules & Pustules)
Inflammatory acne is characterized by red, swollen pimples that can be painful to the touch. Papules are small, red bumps, while pustules contain pus and may appear white or yellow at the surface.
4. Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, presenting as large, painful lumps under the skin. These deep-rooted breakouts often lead to scarring if not treated properly.
Natural Treatment Options for Adult Acne
There are a number of natural acne treatment options for adult acne. For instance, you can try to revamp your acne treatment regimen by using skin care products that contain tea tree oil, witch hazel, or apple cider vinegar, such as Beauty by Earth Rose Water Toner. These ingredients have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the appearance of breakouts.
You can also try using Beauty by Earth clay mask to your skin care regimen for the sake of drawing out impurities from acne prone skin. Once a week, apply a thin layer of clay mask to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Hydration is essential, so choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced without clogging pores. Finally, always apply a broad-spectrum Beauty by Earth SPF 20+ sunscreen daily to protect against sun damage and acne scars.
Topical Treatments for Adult Acne
Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments can significantly improve acne. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria. Retinol and retinoids accelerate skin cell turnover, preventing clogged pores and improving skin texture. For those looking for a natural acne treatment, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help reduce breakouts.
Oral Medications for Acne
For moderate to severe acne, dermatologists may prescribe oral medications. Birth control pills help regulate hormones in women, while spironolactone reduces androgen levels to minimize hormonal acne. Antibiotics can help control bacteria and inflammation, and in severe cases, isotretinoin (Accutane) is a powerful treatment option that provides long-term relief.
Lifestyle & Diet

Changes for Clear Skin
Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in preventing and managing adult acne. Eating a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support healthy skin. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins, while managing stress through meditation, exercise, or yoga can prevent hormonal breakouts. Taking probiotics and consuming fiber-rich foods supports gut health, which may help reduce acne.
Professional Acne Treatments
For those struggling with stubborn acne, professional treatments can accelerate healing. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin and help fade acne scars, while laser therapy targets bacteria and reduces redness. Regular facials and extractions can unclog pores and improve skin health.
It's always a good idea to consult your physician or a dermatologist for their advice on treatment options—especially if you have severe acne or sensitive skin. There may be need for stronger topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Preventing Adult Acne
There are a few things you can do to prevent adult acne breakouts. First, make sure you are cleansing your face every day with gentle Beauty by Earth Face Wash. Avoid harsh scrubs and cleansers that contain drying agents like alcohol, as they can exacerbate acne. (Instead, opt for a gentle scrub such as Beauty by Earth Face Scrub, chock full of skin-benefitting ingredients!)

You should also make sure you are using a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and to not worsen acne. (Hydration and oil aren't the same, girl! Moisturizer is for everyone, not just people with dry skin. Got oily skin? All you need to do is look for a moisturizer that can control the dew, such as Beauty by Earth Oil Control Moisturizer.) Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid which can help to plump and hydrate skin without leading to clogged pores.

Finally, try to avoid touching your face throughout the day as much as possible. Your hands can transfer bacteria and oils from other parts of your body to your face, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. If you must touch your face, make sure you're washing your hands first!
We hope this guide was helpful in explaining adult acne and how natural products may help treat it. Remember, each person's skin is different so what works for one person might not work for another. The best way to find out what works for you is by doing some trial and error with different products and ingredients. And as always, consult a physician or dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin. They will be able to give you the best advice for YOUR unique situation.
Do you have any tips or tricks for preventing or treating adult acne? Share them with us in the comments below!
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