Why Do I Still Have Acne in My Late 20s?

At its root, adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne: excess skin oil and bacteria. Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil.

Acne tends to run in families, so if a parent had adult acne, you're at higher risk. People can get acne into their 40s and beyond.

I Wash A Lot But Still Get Blackheads. Why?

Washing your skin can't get rid of blackheads or acne. Why? Blackheads form below the skin's surface, when oil, also called sebum, reacts with air in a partially clogged pore. When the pore is totally blocked, you get a whitehead.

Wash your face only twice a day, using a mild cleanser and warm water -- not hot water.

Do Birth Control Pills Cause or Cure Acne?

Birth control pills may help some women control acne. The hormones in birth control pills can help block androgen hormones. Androgen puts oil glands into overdrive. But not all acne is caused by high androgen levels. Fast-growing bacteria in the pores also contribute to some acne.

Could My Makeup Cause My Acne?

Yes. In fact, anything you put on your face has the potential to clog pores. Look for oil-free makeup, sunscreens, and other skin products. Non-comedogenic and nonacnegenic products can be better for acne-prone skin. You might also try using powder cosmetics instead of cream foundations.

My Job is Stressful. Is That A Factor in Acne?

Stress is not considered a main cause of acne. More often, your acne may increase your stress levels. Effective acne treatment may actually help reduce your stress.

However, in some people, stress can worsen acne. If you think stress triggers outbreaks, talk to your doctor about learning some relaxation techniques.

What's the Truth About Chocolate and Acne?

There's no scientific proof that eating chocolate, sugar, or greasy food causes acne. However, if it seems that certain foods trigger breakouts, avoid them.

Sugary or greasy foods hinder your health in other ways, contributing to diabetes and heart disease. Reach for fresh food for better overall health.

What is Deep-Cyst Acne?

Deep-cyst acne can be painful and frustrating to treat. Follicles are clogged deep beneath the skin's surface. Your doctor may choose to treat this severe form of acne with oral antibiotics for a short time. Corticosteroids may calm the inflammation. Topical creams with retinoids may also help.

Never pick, poke, or pop lesions. That can worsen acne and may cause scars.

What Other Kinds of Acne Are There?

There are two general kinds of acne:

• Comedones -- blackheads and white heads.
• Inflammatory lesions -- papules (pimple), pustules, or nodules or cysts.

A dermatologist can work with you to develop a treatment plan for your acne and unique skin type.

Could My Acne Be Related to Anemia?

The link between anemia, low iron, and acne is not proven. A few studies have shown a small connection. However, scientists believe anemia's probably not the real cause of acne. Instead, taking too much zinc to treat acne may cause anemia. There is limited scientific evidence that zinc works to treat acne.

Am I Stuck With Acne Forever?

On its own, acne does seem to go away with age. According to one study, acne becomes less common after age 44. And for some women, acne ends with menopause.

Until then, fortunately, there are treatments for adult acne. Most people find a combination of products work best. Treatment takes time -- usually 4 to 12 weeks -- and needs to be continued to work.

What's the Best Way to Treat Acne?

Medicated creams with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid are the first treatments to try. You can get them over the counter or by prescription. Retinoids -- vitamin A-based creams -- also work to unclog hair follicles.

Your doctor can prescribe stronger creams, or other medications that help, such as antibiotics, oral retinoids, androgen blockers, and low-dose birth control pills.

What's the Best Way to Prevent Acne?

Use two simple strategies:

First, avoid touching your face. Touching your face can increase oiliness, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of bacteria. Develop a hands-off policy.

Second, keep oily hair off your skin. And look for oil-free hair products. Oily hair care products can get on your face and clog pores.

Related Reading on Skin & Beauty

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• What Your Skin Says About Your Health
• Adult Skin Problems
• Antiaging Tips & Secrets to Look Younger
• Foods for Healthy Skin
• Sun-Damaged Skin
• Wrinkles
• Helping Your Teen With Acne