Professional Acne Treatments in Northern California

Pimples and other types of acne form when the pores or hair follicles on the skin become clogged. Several factors can contribute to acne:

• Excess oil production
• Bacteria on the skin
• Dead skin cells
• Inflammation 

Hormone fluctuations can often trigger acne — particularly testosterone, an androgen hormone.

The hormonal changes associated with puberty and adolescence often trigger acne breakouts, which is why many people associate pimples with teenagers.

However, adults can get acne, too, even decades past their adolescence. While teenage acne is more common in males, adult acne is more common in women. Women who get acne are likely to notice breakouts during their menstrual cycles or while pregnant.

Certain triggers can make breakouts more likely, such as some types of medications or using lotions or beauty products that clog pores. High humidity and environmental pollution can also trigger acne.

Many people think their acne will clear up after adolescence, only to discover it continues into adulthood. Others may have never broken out as teenagers but find themselves with acne as adults.

Adult acne is caused by the same factors that cause acne in adolescence:

• Inflammation
• Bacteria
• Clogged pores
• Excess oil production

In adults, acne can also be exacerbated by several factors, such as:

• Hormone fluctuations — particularly around the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy
• High stress levels
• Skin and hair care products
• Medications — including hormonal birth control, corticosteroids and lithium

Acne can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition in adults, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.