About 25% of men and 50% of women out of their teens will be affected by acne at some point in their lives.

Acne problems affect millions of adults in their 20s, 30s and even older, however some people are more prone to the condition then others. Adult acne problems can be triggered by several factors like use of drugs or medication, vitamin deficiency, hormonal changes, pregnancy, exposure to chemicals or toxins and severe stress. The good news is acne caused by these factors are usually short-lived.

Adult acne is an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland just under the skin (brought on by any one of the triggers above). The propionibacterium acnes bacteria, that lives in the skin on everyone, feeds on the excess sebum and this can cause irritation, inflammation and ultimately acne.

Controlling and managing adult acne problems could mean making more of an effort in hygiene maintenance and changes to medication, lifestyle or diet.

If as an adult, you are affected by just a spot or two then an over the counter medicine should suffice, if the condition is more severe then a trip to the doctor or dermatologist is advised as they will diagnose the condition and suggest the best course of action.