How To Treat Adult Acne & Why It’s More Common Than You Think

By Louise Thomas-Minns, Founder of Louise Thomas Skin Care

If you thought acne was something you left behind in your teenage years, you’re not alone. Many of the clients I see in the clinic say the same thing: “I never had skin like this before, why now?”

Adult acne is one of the most common concerns I treat, and it can feel especially frustrating because it often appears just when we expect our skin to be calmer, clearer and more predictable. It's also very close to my heart as I was an Acne sufferer for over 20 years & it's one of the reasons I do what I do today.

The truth? Adult acne is far more common than you think, and understanding why it happens is the first step to treating it properly, long-term.

Adult Acne Causes: It’s Not Just One Thing

Unlike teenage acne, which is largely driven by puberty, adult acne causes are more complex and multifactorial. This is why quick fixes and harsh treatments often make things worse rather than better.

The most common adult acne causes I see include:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones play a huge role in skin behaviour. Changes in oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can increase oil production and inflammation, leading to breakouts - particularly around the jawline, chin and neck.

This is why hormonal acne treatment in the UK often needs to be more supportive and corrective, rather than aggressive.

2. Perimenopause Acne

Perimenopause acne is something many women aren’t warned about - yet it’s incredibly common.

As oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate (often from our late 30s onwards), the balance between oestrogen and androgens shifts. This can result in:

• Deeper, more painful breakouts

• Cyclical flares

• Slower healing and increased pigmentation

At the same time, the skin barrier can become weaker, making traditional acne products far too stripping.

3. Chronic Stress

Stress increases cortisol, which can trigger oil production and inflammation while slowing down skin repair. Many adult acne clients also experience gut issues, poor sleep or burnout - all of which show up on the skin.

Acne is often the skin’s way of saying something internally is out of balance.

4. Over-Treating the Skin

One of the most overlooked adult acne causes is doing too much.

Strong actives, constant exfoliation and drying products may temporarily reduce breakouts, but long-term they weaken the skin barrier - leading to sensitivity, congestion and rebound acne.

Adult skin needs correction and care.

Why Adult Acne Needs a Different Approach

Adult acne isn’t just about blocked pores. It’s often linked to inflammation, barrier impairment and hormonal changes.

This is why teenage-style acne routines rarely work long-term.

Effective adult acne treatment focuses on:

• Supporting the skin barrier

• Regulating oil production (not eliminating it)

• Calming inflammation

• Working with hormonal cycles, not against them

This is especially important when treating perimenopause acne, where skin is often acne-prone and sensitive at the same time.

Long-Term Adult Acne Treatment: What Actually Works

There is no overnight cure, but there is a clear path to long-term skin health.

1. Barrier-First Skincare

Healthy skin clears more efficiently. A compromised barrier keeps inflammation trapped in the skin.

Focus on:

• Gentle cleansing - like The Cleanser

• Targeted actives used strategically - The Balance & Clear Serum was created to target: excessive oil, blocked pores, blackheads, congestion, irritation and scarring.

• Barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and essential fatty acids

This foundation is essential for sustainable hormonal acne treatment in the UK.

2. Target Hormonal Patterns

Understanding when breakouts appear - monthly, mid-cycle, during stress - allows treatments to be adjusted accordingly.

In clinic, we tailor protocols around:

• Hormonal cycles

• Lifestyle stressors

• Skin sensitivity and healing speed

This personalised approach is key to long-term results.

3. Support Skin Health From Within

Internal support can make a profound difference to adult acne.

This may include:

• Blood sugar balance

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Gut support

• Stress reduction

Skin health from within is particularly important for perimenopause acne, where internal shifts are often the primary trigger.

4. Consistency Over Intensity

Clear skin comes from consistency, not punishment.

Gentle, regular treatments combined with a supportive home routine will always outperform aggressive short-term fixes.

Adult Acne Is Common - And Treatable

If you’re experiencing acne later in life, please know this: there is nothing “wrong” with you, and you haven’t failed your skin.

Adult acne is common, complex and deeply connected to hormonal and lifestyle changes, especially during perimenopause.

With the right education, support and long-term strategy, skin can rebalance, heal and thrive.

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, we take a skin-intelligent approach, treating acne with respect, patience and a deep understanding of the skin’s biology.

Clearer skin isn’t about fighting your skin.
It’s about learning how to support it.

With love,
Louise x